Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or difficulty breathing. Captopril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions, so please seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking captopril.

Moreover, please inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms: kidney disease; liver disease; are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; are taking a salt substitute, potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur®, Klor-Con®), or potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor®), triamterene (Dyrenium®, Dyazide®, Maxzide®), or spironolactone (Aldactone®); have diabetes; have scleroderma or lupus; or have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke. You may not be able to take captopril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Captopril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that captopril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, captopril can cause injury to, and even death of, the developing baby. Do not take captopril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Furthermore, this medication passes into breast milk, despite that its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do not take captopril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use cautiously when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Captopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness, therefore try to avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Additionally, alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking captopril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril except under the supervision of your doctor.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with captopril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

 

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