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Captopril

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Captopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) which is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. Read the label carefully.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
• Give this medication on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meal(s) unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
• DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses. Do not stop giving this medication without the veterinarian’s approval.
• Do not stop giving this medication to your pet without first consulting the veterinarian. Call your veterinarian ahead of time if your pet requires refills of the medication.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Notify your veterinarian if your pet is very tired, weak or has difficulty rising.
• Some dogs experience loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if these symptoms are troublesome or if they persist.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with captopril: diuretics, other vasodilators, potassium or potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone), digoxin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, probenecid, and cimetidine.
• If captopril and antacids must be given to the pet, separate the dosing of each medicine by at least two hours.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.