Health Library

Captopril

(KAP-toe-pril)

Captopril (Capoten) belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

It is used to treat mild to severe high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure.

Captopril is given by mouth as a tablet and is also available as an oral suspension compounded by your pharmacist.

Special Instructions

• Give this medicine only as directed, and do not stop unless directed to stop by your child's doctor.
• It is best to give this medicine on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals.
• Tablets may be crushed and dissolved in water for at least 10 minutes. Make sure your child swallows all of the water to make sure he / she gets all of the medicine.
• If using the oral liquid, always double check the liquid concentration (milligrams / milliliter), dose (milligram) and volume (milliliters) when receiving a new supply. If any of these are different from your last refill, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.
• For the oral suspension, make sure to shake well. Use an oral measuring cup or oral syringe provided by your pharmacy to measure the amount of medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Limit salt substitutes and other foods high in potassium. Do not use a salt substitute without your child's doctor's advice.
• Limit or avoid natural licorice, which can cause the body to retain sodium and water.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
• Store tablets at room temperature and protected from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Store oral suspension in the refrigerator.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• Contact your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking this medication.
• If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor right away.

If Your Child Misses a Dose

For any information related to your child's medicine dosing schedule and / or missed doses, call the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• Dizziness
• Rash
• Dry cough

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

• Child has trouble breathing
• Develops vomiting or diarrhea
• Develops a persistent dry cough
• Begins to sweat excessively
• Experiences swelling of the lips, tongue or face