What it's for (Indications)
- Treatment of hypertension, particularly mild to moderate cases.
- This combination therapy is used to manage high blood pressure, often as an adjunct to other antihypertensive strategies.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | Dosage should be individualized based on the patient's blood pressure response and tolerability. A common starting dose for captopril/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy is 25 mg captopril with 15 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily. The dose may be titrated upwards, typically at intervals of 1-2 weeks, to achieve blood pressure control, with a usual maximum of 50 mg captopril with 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily. It is recommended to take the medication at least one hour before meals. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Common side effects include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), hypotension (low blood pressure), rash, and loss of taste (dysgeusia).
- Patients may also experience dizziness or fatigue.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible.
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm and death, especially during the second and third trimesters.
- Not recommended during breastfeeding as components may pass into breast milk.
- Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience dizziness, fatigue, or other impairments.
- Use with caution in patients with kidney impairment due to potential for worsening renal function.
- Use with caution in patients with collagen vascular disease (e.
- g.
- , systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) due to an increased risk of severe adverse effects such as neutropenia.
- Thiazide diuretics can also cause electrolyte imbalances (e.
- g.
- , hypokalemia, hyponatremia).
- Symptomatic hypotension may occur, particularly in volume-depleted patients.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, decreased aldosterone secretion, and reduced sodium and water retention. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. The combination provides additive antihypertensive effects.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.