Capozide

Pronunciation: KAP-toe-pril/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide
Generic Name: Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

When used during pregnancy, Capozide can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor at once.

Capozide is used for:

Treating high blood pressure. It may also be for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Capozide is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination. The ACE inhibitor works by causing blood vessels to relax. The thiazide diuretic works by helping the kidneys eliminate extra fluid from the body. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Do NOT use Capozide if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Capozide, any other sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole), or any other ACE inhibitor (eg, enalapril), including if you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness) caused by an ACE inhibitor


• you are pregnant


• you are taking dextran sulfate, dofetilide, or ketanserin


• you are unable to urinate

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Capozide:

Some medical conditions may interact with Capozide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are able to become pregnant


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of angioedema, bone marrow problems, blood vessel problems of the heart or brain, kidney disease (eg, renal artery stenosis), kidney transplant, heart problems (eg, heart failure), liver problems, or parathyroid problems


• if you have a history of blood electrolyte problems (eg, calcium, chloride, magnesium), an autoimmune disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma), gout, asthma, or high blood cholesterol or lipid levels


• if you are dehydrated, have high blood potassium levels, have low blood volume, have low blood sodium levels, or are on a low-salt (sodium) diet


• if you have diabetes, especially if you are also taking aliskiren


• if you are on dialysis, are receiving apheresis treatments, or are scheduled to have surgery or receive anesthesia


• if you are receiving treatments to reduce sensitivity to bee or wasp stings


• if you have recently had a certain type of nerve surgery (sympathectomy)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Capozide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digoxin, dofetilide, or ketanserin because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased


• Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), aliskiren, potassium preparations, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene), salt substitutes containing potassium, or trimethoprim because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased


• mTOR inhibitors (eg, everolimus, sirolimus) because they may increase the risk of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness)


• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (eg, losartan) because the risk of serious kidney problems and high blood potassium levels may be increased


• Certain gold-containing medicines (eg, sodium aurothiomalate) because flushing, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure may occur


• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), amphotericin B, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), calcium supplements, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), dextran sulfate, diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine, fentanyl, morphine), nitrates (eg, nitroglycerin), or other medicines for high blood pressure because they may increase the risk of Capozide's side effects


• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because they may decrease Capozide's effectiveness and the risk of kidney problems may be increased


• Cholestyramine, colestipol, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because they may decrease Capozide's effectiveness


• Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Capozide


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), insulin or other diabetes medicines (eg, glyburide), methenamine, probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone because their effectiveness may be decreased by Capozide

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Capozide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Capozide:

Use Capozide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Capozide by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals.


• Capozide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.


• Capozide works best if it is taken at the same time each day.


• Continue to take Capozide even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• If you miss a dose of Capozide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Capozide.

Important safety information:

• Capozide may cause dizziness or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Capozide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Capozide may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Report any light-headedness or fainting to your doctor immediately. Your risk of light-headedness or fainting may be increased if you experience diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating; if you do not drink enough fluids; or if you are on a low-salt (sodium) diet.


• It may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to get the full benefit from Capozide. Do not stop using Capozide or change your dose of Capozide without checking with your doctor.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Capozide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Capozide contains a sulfonamide called hydrochlorothiazide, which can cause certain eye problems (myopia, angle-closure glaucoma). Your risk may be increased if you are allergic to sulfonamide medicines (eg, sulfamethoxazole) or to penicillin antibiotics (eg, amoxicillin). Untreated angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. If these eye problems occur, symptoms usually occur within hours to weeks of starting Capozide. Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as vision changes (eg, decreased vision clearness) or eye pain.


• Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not take additional potassium or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.


• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.


• Capozide may cause a dry, unproductive cough. If caused by Capozide, this symptom usually stops after treatment with Capozide is stopped.


• Capozide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Capozide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.


• Capozide may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. The risk may be higher in black patients. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.


• Capozide may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. The risk may be greater if you have certain other health problems (eg, kidney problems, collagen vascular disease). Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.


• Capozide may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.


• If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.


• Diabetes patients - Capozide may cause the results of some tests for urine ketones to be wrong. Be sure to check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.


• Capozide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.


• Capozide may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Capozide.


• Lab tests, including blood pressure monitoring, blood potassium or other electrolyte levels, kidney function, and urine protein, may be performed while you use Capozide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Capozide should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Capozide may cause birth defects or fetal or newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Capozide is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Capozide.

Possible side effects of Capozide:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; dizziness or light-headedness when sitting or standing quickly; taste changes.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling; chest pain; confusion; decrease in amount of urine produced; depression; drowsiness; eye pain; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; joint pain; muscle pain, cramps, or tremors; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; restlessness; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or light-headedness; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; slurred speech; stomach pain (with or without nausea and vomiting); sudden, severe headache or vomiting; swelling of the arms or legs; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusually dry mouth; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision problems (eg, blurred vision, decreased vision clearness).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Capozide side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe or persistent dizziness or light-headedness; symptoms of blood electrolyte problems (eg, confusion; irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; muscle pain, weakness, or cramping; seizures; sluggishness); symptoms of dehydration (eg, dry mouth or eyes; decreased urination; fast heartbeat; nausea; restlessness; unusual thirst, tiredness, or weakness; vomiting).

Proper storage of Capozide:

Store Capozide between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Capozide out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Capozide, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Capozide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Capozide. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Capozide resources

• Capozide Side Effects (in more detail)
• Capozide Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Capozide Drug Interactions
• Capozide Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Capozide - Add your own review/rating

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