captopril

Captopril, as well as other ACE inhibitors, can cause serious harm to unborn babies. Don't take captopril during pregnancy. Before you start captopril, discuss with your cardiology team about safer options to lower blood pressure if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while you're taking captopril, stop the medication and let your healthcare team know right away.

People who take ACE inhibitors like captopril can experience a rare, but serious side effect called angioedema. This involves swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, tongue, and stomach. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be potentially life-threatening since it can make it difficult to breathe. Angioedema can happen at any time during treatment. You might be more likely to experience angioedema if you're Black, an older adult, or of female sex. Get medical attention immediately if you notice any unusual swelling, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. You'll have to stop taking captopril if this happens.

Though rare, some people develop lower white blood cell (WBC) count after starting captopril. The risk is higher for people with kidney problems and certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus. Typically, the drop in WBC count is noted within 3 months of starting captopril. Having lower WBC count puts you at risk for serious infections. If you have kidney problems, your healthcare team might perform blood draws regularly to check your WBC count. If your levels are too low, you'll need to pause captopril. Usually, WBC levels return to the normal ranges within 2 weeks of stopping captopril. Let your healthcare team know if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, cough, or tiredness.

Though rare, taking captopril can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start captopril or when your cardiologist raises your dose. Make sure to stay well-hydrated during treatment. Sit or lie down slowly while holding onto something if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, or tired. And get medical help right away if you accidentally fall and hit your head.

Captopril is usually good for the kidneys. But in some cases, it can make kidney problems worse. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis or kidney damage from severe heart failure. Your cardiology team might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Tell your care team if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

Captopril can raise the amount of potassium in your body, which can sometimes be dangerous. Your risk of having high potassium levels is greater if you have diabetes or kidney problems or if you're taking other medications that also raise potassium levels. For this reason, make sure your cardiology team knows your full medical history and what medications you're taking before you start treatment. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat.