This article describes captopril oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for captopril. If you want to know more about captopril oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, and more.
Captopril oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm or death
Captopril has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm or death. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Form and strengths of captopril
Captopril oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths:
- 12.5 milligrams (mg)
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Dosage of captopril
This article describes the recommended dosages for captopril oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of captopril oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of captopril in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of captopril oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of captopril oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
| Condition/Purpose | Dose range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| high blood pressure | 25 to 150 mg | two or three times per day |
| heart failure | 6.25 to 100 mg | three times per day |
| heart problems after a heart attack | 6.25 mg for one dose then 12.5 to 50 mg | three times per day |
| diabetic kidney disease | 25 mg | three times per day |
The maximum dosage of captopril oral tablet is 450 mg per day.
Dosage adjustments for captopril
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of captopril oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other blood pressure medications you take
- how well your kidneys work
Missed dose of captopril
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of captopril oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of captopril oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about captopril oral tablet and its dosage.
Can captopril be used for hypertensive urgency? If so, what is the dosage?
It depends. Hypertensive urgency is when blood pressure spikes high, but there aren’t any symptoms of organ damage. Usually, doctors can manage this condition with oral medications to bring down blood pressure. Captopril oral tablet is approved to treat high blood pressure. So, it may be an option in some cases.
This is an off-label use of captopril. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
If your blood pressure is higher than usual or you think you’re having a hypertensive urgency, call your doctor or get medical care. They can determine the best treatment.
Is captopril taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe captopril oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take captopril oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How captopril is taken
You’ll swallow captopril oral tablet two or three times per day. You should take captopril oral tablet 1 hour before meals. You can cut or crush captopril oral tablet if necessary.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Captopril coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of captopril
It’s important that you do not take more captopril oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much captopril
If you think you’ve taken too much captopril, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for captopril oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of captopril oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take captopril oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does the dosage of captopril oral tablet compare with that of other drugs that could treat my condition?
- Will you change my dosage of captopril oral tablet if I’m taking other drugs with it?
- How will you decide whether I need a different dosage of captopril oral tablet?
Boxed warning for captopril
Captopril has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm or death. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Taking captopril oral tablet during pregnancy can cause harm to the fetus or lead to fetal death. Tell your doctor immediately and stop taking captopril oral tablet as soon as possible if you become pregnant.
You can talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.