Captopril and Hydrochlorothiazide, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihypertensive

Generic and brand names: captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, oral; Capozide

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat high blood pressure and other conditions. It contains a diuretic to increase your flow of urine to remove excess salt and water from your body. Your health care provider will explain why you are taking this medicine.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you start taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, including nonprescription products or herbal supplements.

Females of childbearing age: Do not use this medicine during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you do become pregnant during treatment, contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine regularly for as long as prescribed, even if you feel better. If you are taking it for high blood pressure, you must take it every day to keep your blood pressure under control.

Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

This medicine increases urination. Take the last dose of the day before 6 PM to avoid interrupting your sleep at night.

This medicine is best taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without your health care provider's approval.

If you vomit or have diarrhea while you are taking this medicine, contact your health care provider.

This medicine may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially in hot weather. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your health care provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fever, bruising, mouth sores, sore throat, irregular or fast heartbeat, yellowish eyes or skin.

Other: Stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• aspirin
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithane, Lithotabs)
• other diuretics (water pills).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.