Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and captopril (hye droe klor oh THY a zide and KAP toe pril)Brand Names: Capozide 25/15, Capozide 25/25, Capozide 50/15, Capozide 50/25
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.
Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Captopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.
The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and captopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Capozide 50/15 (hydrochlorothiazide and captopril)?Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, congestive heart failure, asthma or allergies, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Captopril can cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and captopril without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, unless your doctor has told you to.Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Capozide 50/15 (hydrochlorothiazide and captopril)?Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or captopril, or if you have:a history of asthma or allergies; or
if you are unable to urinate.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you have:
congestive heart failure;
gout;
lupus;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
While you are taking this medication, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.
Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store hydrochlorothiazide and captopril at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Avoid using other medicines that make you light-headed (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other blood pressure medications.Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
urinating less than usual or not at all;
swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
cough;
dizziness, headache, tired feeling;
blurred vision;
diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach; or
mild skin rash, increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Capozide 50/15 (hydrochlorothiazide and captopril)?Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
gold injections to treat arthritis;
other diuretics (water pills) or blood pressure medications;
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
digoxin (Lanoxin);
nitroglycerin (Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, and others);
cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
steroids (prednisone and others);
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others; or
insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.