Capoten (Cont.)

Effects of Capoten

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Capoten, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lowered. The higher the dose of Capoten, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Capoten can also decrease the risks that accompany long-term hypertension (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of Capoten on the heart and blood vessels cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, along with improved exercise tolerance.
 
Capoten can also decrease the damage to the kidneys in people with diabetic nephropathy. The exact way that this occurs, however, is not completely understood.
 

When and How Do I Take Capoten?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Capoten include:
 
  • Capoten comes in tablet form that is usually taken two or three times a day.
  • Capoten should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Capoten tablets.
  • Capoten should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
  • For Capoten to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Capoten will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Capoten Dosing

The dose of Capoten that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Capoten Dosage for more information about dosing guidelines.)
 
(Capoten Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;