Description of Capozide

Capozide or generic Captopril/HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination drug your doctor may recommend if you have high blood pressure. Hypertension has no symptoms, so you usually become aware of it during a doctor exam. Undiagnosed and untreated hypertension puts you at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Captopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and HCTZ is a diuretic (water pill). Together, with a proper diet, exercise, and weight loss, Capozide can help keep your blood pressure under control. Your doctor can also prescribe Capozide to improve your survival rate after already having a heart attack.

How Does Capozide Work?

Taken orally as directed, the ACE inhibitor will work by reducing the activity the angiotensin converting enzyme which results in a decrease of this enzyme creating a protein called angiotensin 2. Angiotensin 2 causes your blood vessels to constrict so your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen, blood, and nutrients to other organs and tissues in your body.

Diuretics work by interfering with the transport of salt and water across certain cells in your kidneys so as your kidneys expel the salt (sodium), water from your blood is also expelled with it so there is less fluid build-up. This results in a decrease in the pressure inside your arterial walls and your blood pressure becomes lower.

Conditions Treated by Capozide

Your doctor can monitor your blood pressure to determine if it is consistently high or the increase was due to something else. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. Risk factors for being hypertensive include obesity, stress, high salt intake, alcohol problems, and it could run in your family. By making changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, or a stroke.

Capozide is not a cure for high blood pressure, and caught early you may only have to take anti-hypertensive drugs for a short-term. However, most people will take meds for the rest of their life even if they have improved their diet, lost weight, quit smoking, and now enjoy an active lifestyle.

Before Capozide is Prescribed to You

Ask your doctor about any risks taking Capozide while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. Do not change the dosage of Capozide without talking to your doctor first.

Capozide Precautions

Until you know how Capozide will affect you, refrain from driving, operating machinery, or performing any task that requires you to think clearly. Inform medical staff before undergoing any dental or surgical procedure that you take Capozide as you may need to stop taking certain drugs pre-operatively. Keep Capozide and other medications stored safely out of children’s reach and never share your meds with others.

Possible Side Effects of Capozide

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Changes in your taste

Drugs Similar to Capozide

• Aldactazide
• Aceon Plus
• Zestoretic