Captopril 12.5mg Tablets
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Package leaflet: Information for the patient
Captopril 12.5mg Tablets Captopril 25mg Tablets Captopril 50mg Tablets
(captopril)
Read all of this leaflet carefully
before you start taking this medicine
because it contains important
information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet:
1. What Captopril Tablets are and what they are used for
2. What you need to know before you take Captopril Tablets
3. How to take Captopril Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Captopril Tablets
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1.What Captopril Tablets are and what they are used for
Captopril belongs to a group of medicines called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors work by helping to widen your blood vessels, which then make it easier for your heart to pump blood through them.
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.
2.What you need to know before you take Captopril Tablets
Do not take Captopril Tablets:
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to captopril, any of the other ingredients in these tablets or other ACE inhibitors (see Section 6 and end of Section 2).
• If you have ever had a reaction which included swelling of the hands, lips face or tongue where the cause was unknown.
• If you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and you are treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren
• If you are more than 3 months pregnant. (It is also better to avoid Captopril tablets in early pregnancy -see pregnancy section.)
Do not take Captopril tablets if any of
the above apply to you. If you are not
sure, talk to your doctor before taking
Captopril tablets
Warnings and precautions
• Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Captopril tablets:
• If you suffer from kidney disease.
• If you suffer from liver disease.
• If you are undergoing dialysis.
• If you have suffered from heart disease, in particular problems with the valves of the heart.
• If you are receiving immunosuppressant therapy.
• If you have recently suffered from excessive diarrhoea or vomiting.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you suffer from any collagen vascular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.
• If you experience more infections such as sore throat or fever which can be due to changes in your blood cells and can be monitored by a blood test carried out by your doctor.
• If you are going to have dental surgery or major surgery involving anesthetic.
• If you are going to have desensitization treatment, e.g. for an allergic reaction to wasp or bee stings.
• If you are about to have treatment for the removal of cholesterol from your blood by a machine, (called LDL apheresis).
• You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. Captopril tablet is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant it may cause serious harm to your baby if used at that stage (see pregnancy section).
• Some Afro-Caribbean patients may require higher doses of Captopril to obtain an adequate reduction in
blood pressure.
• if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure:
• an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARBs) (also known as sartans - for example valsartan, telmisartan, irbesartan), in particular if you have diabetes-related kidney problems.
• aliskiren
Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and the amount of electrolytes (e.g. potassium) in your blood at regular intervals.
See also information under the heading "Do not take Captopril Tablets”
Other medicines and Captopril Tablets:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Your doctor may need to change your dose and/or to take other precautions:
If you are taking an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or aliskiren (see also information under the headings "Do not take Captopril Tablets” and "Warnings and precautions”.
It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
• Diuretics (water tablets).
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium (e.g. triamterene, amiloride and spironolactone).
• Medicines that cause dilation of the blood vessels (e.g. minoxidil, and clonidine).
• Medicines to treat mental problems including manic depression or depression (e.g. lithium and amitriptyline).
• Immuno-suppressants (e.g. azathioprine and cyclophosphamide).
• Medicines to treat gout (e.g. allopurinol and probenecid).
• Medicines to treat irregular heartbeats (e.g. procainamide).
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAIDS) (e.g. indometacin, and ibuprofen).
• Medicines to treat diabetes (e.g. oral antidiabetics and insulin).
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure (e.g. beta-blockers such as propranolol, atenolol or calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and nifedipine).
• Any medicine that may be used during and after a heart attack.
Taking Captopril Tablets with food or drink
Captopril Tablets can be taken with or without food. Moderate amounts of alcohol will not affect Captopril, however, you should check with your doctor first to see if drinking is advisable for you.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Pregnancy
You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Captopril tablets before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant and will advise you to take another medicine instead of Captopril. Captopril tablet is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken when more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used after the third month of pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or about to start breast-feeding. Breast-feeding newborn babies (first few weeks after birth), and especially premature babies, is not recommended whilst taking Captopril. In the case of an older baby your doctor should advise you on the benefits and risks of taking Captopril whilst breast-feeding, compared with other treatments.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Captopril can affect your ability to drive, usually when you first start taking your medicine or if your doctor changes your dose. If you do feel light-headed or dizzy when taking Captopril tablets, you should not drive or use machinery.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Captopril Tablets
These tablets contain Lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that if you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
3.How to take Captopril Tablets
Always take this medicine exactly how your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
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Swallow the tablets orally with a glass of water.
The usual doses are:
For the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension): The usual starting dose is 12.5 mg-25 mg twice a day. If required, your doctor may gradually increase this dose to 100 mg-150 mg a day. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine to lower your blood pressure.
In Heart failure: The usual starting dose is 6.25 mg -12.5 mg two or three times a day. Your doctor may gradually increase this dose to a maximum of 150mg a day.
After a heart attack: The usual starting dose is 6.25 mg, which will be then gradually increased by your doctor to a maximum of 150 mg a day.
For the treatment of diabetic patients with kidney disease: The usual dose is 75-100 mg a day.
Elderly patients (over 65 years):
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose. If you have a kidney disorder your doctor will increase the dose gradually until your blood pressure is adequately controlled. The dosage may then be adjusted by your doctor to suit individual requirements.
For children:
If this medicine is prescribed for a child make sure that the tablets are taken as stated on the label. The dosage for children is worked out on the basis of the child's weight in kilograms.
The usual starting dose is 0.3 mg per kg body weight daily. If required, your doctor may increase the dose gradually.
For children with kidney problems, premature babies and newborn babies and infants:
The starting dose should be 0.15mg/kg bodyweight.
Doctors sometimes prescribe different doses to the above and if this applies to you, you should discuss it with your doctor. Sometimes patients may feel dizzy after taking the first one or two doses of Captopril tablets. If this happens to you, lie down until these symptoms disappear. You should try to take Captopril tablets at about the same time each morning. It can be taken before, during or after meals. Even if you feel well continue to take Captopril tablets until your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you take more Captopril Tablets than you should:
If you or someone else swallow several of these tablets together, contact your doctor or nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Always take any tablets left over with you, this leaflet and also the box, as this will allow easier identification of the tablets.
If you forget to take Captopril Tablets
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and carry on as before. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Captopril Tablets
Do not stop taking this medicine without telling your doctor first.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4.Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If you experience any of the following reactions stop taking Captopril and contact your doctor immediately:
• Swelling of the hands, face, lips or tongue
• Difficulty in breathing,
• A sudden, unexpected rash or burning, red or peeling skin.
• Sore throat or fever,
• Severe dizziness or fainting,
• Severe stomach pain,
• Unusually fast or irregular heartbeat,
• Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice).
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
• Dizziness,
• Itching,
• Rashes,
• Hair loss,
• Dry mouth,
• Sleep problems,
• Diarrhoea or constipation,
• Dry, irritating cough,
• Loss of taste (usually reversible on stopping treatment),
• Upset stomach, sickness,
• Shortness of breath abdominal pain.
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
• Tiredness,
• Generally feeling unwell,
• Looking pale,
• Fast, irregular heartbeat,
• Chest pains (angina),
• Low blood pressure (you may experience dizziness, fainting or light-headedness),
• Reduced blood flow to the hands and feet (e.g. Raynaud syndrome),
• Swelling of the eyes and lips (angioedema),
• Flushing,
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss,
• Mouth ulcers,
• Drowsiness,
• Kidney disorders or failure,
• Changes in frequency of passing urine,
• Headache,
• Tingling or pins and needles in your hands.
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
• High levels of potassium in the blood,
• Blurred vision,
• Liver problems including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the white of the eye),
• Confusion, depression, fainting,
• Mini-stroke,
• Heart problems including heart attack,
• Inflammation of the pancreas,
• Runny nose,
• Swollen tongue,
• Stomach ulcers,
• Muscle pain,
• Joint pain,
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing and chest infections,
• Rashes or skin reactions,
• Fever,
• Sensitivity of the skin to light,
• Swelling of breasts in men and impotence,
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a serious illness with blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals),
• Blood disorders, including anemia and thrombocytopenia (poorer than normal blood clotting and bruising very easily).
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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5.How to store Captopril Tablets
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label or carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6.Contents of the pack and other information
What Captopril Tablets contains The active substance is captopril.
The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, pregelatinised starch, stearic acid and microcrystalline cellulose 102 (see Section 2 ‘Important information about some of the ingredients of Captopril Tablets’).
What Captopril Tablets looks like and contents of the pack
Captopril 12.5mg tablets are white to off-white, round, flat, beveled edged, uncoated, with inscription ‘BG’ on one side and plain on other side.
Captopril 25mg tablets are white to off-white, round, flat, beveled edged, uncoated, with inscription ‘BH’ on one side and breakline on other side. Captopril 50mg tablets are white to off-white, round, flat, beveled edged, uncoated, with inscription ‘BI’ on one side and breakline on other side.
They are supplied in blister packs of 28, 30, 56 and 90 tablets. The 25 mg and 50 mg tablets are also available in blister packs of 84 tablets (Not all pack sizes may be marketed).
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Accord Healthcare Limited Sage House, 319 Pinner Road,
North Harrow, Middlesex,
HA1 4HF, United Kingdom