hydrochlorothiazide and captopril Health Article

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Captopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and captopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

• a history of asthma or allergies; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril.