Capoten – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Capoten is a drug used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart problems after a heart attack. The drug is also used to treat kidney disease in patients who have diabetes.

Capoten belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The drug helps open the blood vessels: this lets blood flow more easily, and it decreases how hard the heart has to pump. Capoten lowers blood pressure levels, boosts the heart’s ability to pump blood, and improves blood flow in the kidneys.

Capoten’s generic name is captopril.

Known health risks or side effects of Capoten

Capoten may cause common side effects such as:

A cough
Flushing
Lightheadedness
Mild itching or skin rash
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands or feet
A salty or metallic taste, or the reduced ability to taste
Tiredness/fatigue

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Chest pain
Fainting
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Hoarseness
Little or no urination
Mouth sores
Muscle weakness
Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
Rapid weight gain
Signs of an infection (e.g., chills, fever, or a sore throat)
Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives; itching; rash; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; or tightness in the chest)
Stomach pain

List of organs that might be affected by Capoten

An overdose of Capoten may cause symptoms like feeling very dizzy or light-headed or fainting.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Capoten

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Capoten, and they can help lower your heart rate:

Fiber – Fiber can help reduce triglycerides (fats found in the blood), which are linked to an increase in your heart rate. High triglycerides can also increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. To lower your triglycerides, eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids along with whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread). Dietary fiber can also keep triglycerides under control. Sources include beans, fruits, ground flaxseeds, oats, rice bran, and vegetables.
Minerals – To regulate your heart rate, eat foods full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Calcium makes the muscles contract, and magnesium helps them relax. Sources full of these two minerals include broccoli, leafy greens, and salmon. Low-fat dairy products also contain calcium. Foods rich in magnesium include beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Some plant-based foods, like vegetable oils and walnuts, have a type of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Meanwhile, fish contains two different types of omega-3 called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Even though the body converts a small amount of ALA into DHA and EPA, this isn’t enough to meet all its needs. Upping your intake of EPA and DHA is linked to a considerably lower heart rate. Additionally, omega-3s from fish oil had a direct effect on heart muscle contraction, and it can also help keep the heart rate lower when activity is increased. The best sources of DHA and EPA include herring, mackerel, salmon, trout, tuna, and whitefish. Consume two servings of fish every week.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Capoten

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Capoten:

Ginger – If you’re dizzy, try some ginger. Chew some raw ginger or drink a cup of ginger tea. Ginger can help improve the blood circulation throughout the body and treat dizziness.
Panax ginseng – If you’re suffering from fatigue, try some Panax ginseng. It can help cancer patients with fatigue, and Panax ginseng is available as a liquid, supplement, or tea. If you’re taking antidepressants, diabetes, or blood clotting medication, consult a healthcare professional first before ingesting the herb.