Capoten Side Effects
Generic name: captopril
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 18, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about captopril. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Capoten.
Applies to captopril: oral tablet.
Warning
Oral route (Tablet)
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue captopril as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
Serious side effects of Capoten
Along with its needed effects, captopril (the active ingredient contained in Capoten) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking captopril:
Less common
- Chest pain
- cloudy urine
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
Rare
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- bloody urine
- chest discomfort
- chest tightness or heaviness
- decreased blood pressure
- decreased or increased frequency or amount of urine
- dilated neck veins
- increased thirst
- irregular breathing
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- loss of appetite
- low blood pressure
- lower back or side pain
- nausea
- paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
- sweating
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures
- troubled breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight gain
Incidence not known
- Bleeding gums
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- blurred vision
- chills
- confusion
- cough
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- high fever
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Other side effects of Capoten
Some side effects of captopril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Change in taste
- feeling of warmth
- itching skin
- loss of taste
- rash
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to captopril: compounding powder, oral tablet.
General
The most common side effect is rash.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 13.1%)
Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, alopecia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, photosensitivity, erythroderma, pemphigoid reactions, exfoliative dermatitis[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, gastric irritation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Stomatitis/aphthous ulceration, mouth ulcers, intestinal angioedema
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Glossitis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, taste impairment, loss of taste
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Paresthesia, headache, drowsiness
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebrovascular incidents
Frequency not reported: Syncope, ataxia, somnolence[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Cough, dyspnea
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Rhinitis, allergic alveolitis/eosinophilic pneumonia[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia or tachyarrhythmia, angina pectoris, palpitations, Raynaud's syndrome, flushing, pallor, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock
Frequency not reported: Rhythm disturbances, orthostatic hypotension[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Proteinuria
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Polyuria, oliguria, urinary frequency
Rare (less than 0.1%): Impotence[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Sleep disorder
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Loss of libido
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Confusion, depression
Frequency not reported: Nervousness[Ref]
Other
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, fatigue, malaise
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gynecomastia, fever
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, alkaline phosphatase elevated[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal insufficiency, acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome
Very rare (less than 0.01%): BUN elevated, serum creatinine elevated
Frequency not reported: Glomerulopathy[Ref]
Metabolic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anorexia, weight loss, loss of appetite
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, serum potassium increased, serum sodium decreased
Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia[Ref]
Ocular
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Disturbed vision, dry eye, itchy eye
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Blurred vision[Ref]
Hematologic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased, leukocytes decreased, thrombocytes decreased, erythrocyte sedimentation rate elevated[Ref]
Hepatic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Liver enzymes elevated, bilirubin elevated, impaired hepatic function, cholestasis, hepatitis
Frequency not reported: Jaundice[Ref]
Immunologic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Autoimmune disease, positive antinuclear antibody titer
Frequency not reported: Serum sickness-like syndrome, anaphylactoid reactions[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Myalgia, arthralgia
Frequency not reported: Myasthenia[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about Capoten (captopril)
- Check interactions
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Capoten (captopril)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2002):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.