Congestive Heart Failure Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Captopril
Related Multimedia
Click on an icon to view.
from eMedTV.comYou should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
- A personal or family history of angioedema (swelling under the skin)
- Any allergies, including allergies to ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Captopril and Pregnancy).
- Are breastfeeding
- Are on dialysis
- Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
(Click Warnings and Precautions With Captopril to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
Captopril has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include:
- Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Relieving symptoms of congestive heart failure
- Improving survival and decreasing the chances of developing symptoms of congestive heart failure following a heart attack
- Treating diabetic nephropathy.
This medication is not a cure for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or diabetes; nor has it been approved for use in children.
(Click Captopril Uses for more information on what this medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD