How does Aceten (Captopril) work:

Aceten (Captopril) is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. When prescribed for high blood pressure, it is effective used alone or combined with diuretics. If it is prescribed for congestive heart failure, it is used in combination with digitalis and diuretics. Aceten (Captopril) is in a family of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Aceten (Captopril) also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels.

Dosage & Administration:

Aceten should be taken 1 hour before meals. If you are taking an antacid such as Mylanta, take it 2 hours prior to Aceten. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Stopping Aceten suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.

Side Effects:

• itching
• loss of taste
• low blood pressure
• rash
• abdominal pain
• anemia
• angina pectoris
• blisters
• blurred vision
• breast development in males
• cardiac arrest
• changes in heart rhythm
• chest pain
• constipation
• cough
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• fever and chills
• flushing
• hair loss
• headache
• heart attack or heart failure
• impotence
• inability to sleep
• indigestion
• inflammation of the nose or tongue
• labored breathing
• lack of coordination
• loss of appetite
• lung inflammation
• muscle pain or weakness
• nausea
• pallor
• palpitations
• peptic ulcer
• rapid heartbeat
• sensitivity to light
• skin inflammation
• skin peeling
• sore throat
• swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, or arms and legs
• tingling or pins and needles
• vomiting
• wheezing
• yellow eyes and skin

Precautions:

If you are receiving bee or wasp venom to prevent an allergic reaction to stings, use of Aceten at the same time may cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have kidney disease, Aceten should be used only if you have taken other blood pressure medications and your physician has determined that the results were unsatisfactory. Some people taking Aceten have had a severe allergic reaction during kidney dialysis. If you are taking Aceten for your heart, be careful not to increase physical activity too quickly. Check with your physician as to how much exercise is safe for you. If you are taking Aceten for congestive heart failure, your blood pressure may drop temporarily after the first few doses and you may feel light-headed for a time. Your physician should monitor you closely when you start taking the medication or when your dosage is increased. If you are taking high doses of diuretics and Aceten, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. Your physician may reduce your diuretic dose so that your blood pressure doesn't drop too far. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your physician immediately. You could be developing a liver problem. Aceten may cause you to become drowsy or less alert, especially if you are also taking a diuretic at the same time.
Dehydration may cause a drop in blood pressure. If you experience symptoms such as excessive perspiration, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, notify your physician immediately.