Captopril
Also known as: Capoten, Capozide
> **Important:** Give this medication on an **empty stomach** (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) unless otherwise instructed, as food significantly decreases its absorption. * Do not abruptly stop or reduce therapy without your veterinarian's approval. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, as this can lead to dangerous dehydration and low blood pressure. * Monitor for signs of lethargy, weakness, or deterioration in your pet's condition, which could indicate low blood pressure or worsening heart disease.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- CHF / Hypertension
- Dilative, restrictive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- CHF / Hypertension
- CHF / Hypertension
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypotension
- Renal failure
- Hyperkalemia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes (reported in humans, not dogs)
- Neutropenia/agranulocytosis (rare, reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors
- Use with caution and under close supervision in patients with **renal insufficiency**; doses may need to be reduced. Use cautiously in patients with **hyponatremia or sodium depletion**, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, preexisting hematologic abnormalities, or collagen vascular diseases (e.g., SLE). Patients with severe CHF should be monitored very closely upon initiation of therapy to prevent profound hypotension. **Reproductive Safety:** Captopril crosses the placenta. High doses in rodents caused decreased fetal weights and increased mortality. Use during pregnancy only when potential benefits outweigh risks (FDA Category C for 1st trimester; Category D for 2nd/3rd trimesters). Enters milk at ~1% of maternal plasma concentrations.
Drug interactions
- Antacids: Reduced oral absorption of captopril; separate dosing by at least two hours.
- Cimetidine: Concomitant use has caused neurologic dysfunction in human patients.
- Digoxin: Digoxin levels may increase 15-30%; monitor serum digoxin levels.
- Diuretics: Concomitant use may cause hypotension; titrate dosages carefully.
- NSAIDs: May reduce the clinical efficacy of captopril when used as an antihypertensive agent.
- Potassium or Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia.
- Probenecid: Can decrease renal excretion of captopril, possibly enhancing clinical and toxic effects.
- Vasodilators (e.g., prazosin, hydralazine, nitrates): Concomitant use may cause additive hypotension; titrate dosages carefully.
Frequently asked questions
What is Captopril used for in pets?
> **Important:** Give this medication on an **empty stomach** (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) unless otherwise instructed, as food significantly decreases its absorption. * Do not abruptly stop or reduce therapy without your veterinarian's approval. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, as this can lead to dangerous dehydration and low blood pressure. * Monitor for signs of lethargy, weakness, or deterioration in your pet's condition, which could indicate low blood pressure or worsening heart disease.
Is Captopril safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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