Capozide 25 / 15

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain captopril and hydrochlorothiazide. It may not be specific to Capozide 25/15. Please read with care.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating any food .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults—1 or 2 tablets once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Applies to captopril / hydrochlorothiazide: oral tablet

Along with its needed effects, captopril / hydrochlorothiazide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking captopril / hydrochlorothiazide:

• Black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• painful or difficult urination
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

• Blurred vision
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• sweating

• Arm, back or jaw pain or discomfort
• bloody urine
• chest discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• decreased blood pressure
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• dilated neck veins
• increased need to urinate
• increased thirst
• irregular breathing
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• paleness or cold feeling in fingertips and toes
• passing urine more often
• problems in urination or increase in amount of urine
• swelling of face, fingers, feet or lower legs
• tingling or pain in fingers or toes when exposed to cold
• troubled breathing
• vomiting
• weight gain
• wheezing

Some side effects of captopril / hydrochlorothiazide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Difficulty in moving
• itching skin
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in joints
• rash

• Change in taste
• loss of taste