Are you aware of this medicine for blood pressure? (Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide)

Has your doctor prescribed this medicine for high blood pressure? Or does anyone in your family use this medicine? It's called Captopril and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). It's actually a combination of two medications. Often, it's easier to control the disease when these medications are given as a single pill. So let's talk about this simply and accurately today and become aware.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to control high blood pressure. It contains two types of medication.

1. Captopril: This belongs to the class of drugs called ACE inhibitors . This works by widening the blood vessels in our body. Imagine that when you make a water pipe a little bigger, the water flows without getting stuck and the pressure is reduced. In the same way, this also widens the blood vessels, making blood flow easier, and reducing blood pressure.

2. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): This is a diuretic . We call it a "water pill." It works by removing excess water and salt from the body through urine. This reduces the amount of fluid in the body, which in turn reduces the pressure inside the blood vessels.

When these two medications are combined, very good results can be achieved in controlling high blood pressure.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have an allergic reaction to Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide, or any sulfa-containing medication contained in this medicine.
• If you have ever had swelling of your tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing, after using any medication in the past, we call this condition ``Angioedema``.
• If you have kidney disease or urinary incontinence.
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have heart disease or have recently had a heart attack or stroke .
• If you have an immune system disease like lupus .
• If you are on a low salt diet .
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is very important.
• If you have allergies to other medications, insect bites, or foods.

How should I use the medicine?

The best results can be achieved by using this medicine correctly.

• This pill should be taken at least an hour before meals, on an empty stomach .
• Try to take it at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the medicine's effectiveness in the body at the same level.
• Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
• The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medication on your own for any reason unless your doctor tells you to. You should continue taking it even if you feel your blood pressure has gone down.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking other medications while taking this medicine. Some medications may interact with this medicine and cause adverse effects.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) .

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• See your doctor regularly: Visit your doctor on scheduled days to check your progress and make sure your blood pressure is well controlled. Ask your doctor about your target blood pressure.
• Avoid dehydration: It is dangerous to become dehydrated while taking this medicine. If you sweat a lot, have diarrhea or vomiting, your body will lose more water. In such cases, ask your doctor for advice. Be aware of the amount of water you should drink per day.
• Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may feel dizzy or drowsy while taking this medicine. So avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when standing up or getting up from a sitting position, especially if you are elderly. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
• Sun protection: This medication may make your skin sensitive to the sun. So wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when going out in the sun. There is some evidence that people taking this medication may have a slightly increased risk of skin cancer, so talk to your doctor about that as well.
• Cough and cold medicines: While you are taking this medicine, do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medicines. Some of the ingredients in them can increase your blood pressure. So ask your doctor before taking any medicine.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.

Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide, high blood pressure, high blood pressure medication, ACE inhibitor, diuretic