A: Captopril belongs to a group of medicines called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. Acepril is used to lower high blood pressure or to help the heart pump blood around the body. It is also used to treat people after a heart attack. In addition, Acepril can be used for the treatment of kidney disease in patients with diabetes.

A: Do NOT take these tablets if you answer YES to any of the following questions. Go back to your doctor for advice as soon as possible.

A: Do not take other medicines while you are taking Acepril Tablets, unless you have told your doctor or pharmacist and asked their advice. These include medicines from pharmacies for colds, coughs, hay fever or sinus problems as these may increase your blood pressure. If you are also taking anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g. indomethacin, ibuprofen), lithium, allopurinol (treatment for gout), procainamide (a treatment for irregular heartbeats), immunosuppressants (e.g. azathioprine and cyclophosphamide), potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, or any other treatment for high blood pressure, remind your doctor before taking Acepril

A: Moderate amounts of alcohol will not affect Acepril. However, you should check with your doctor whether drinking is advisable for you.

A: Acepril tablets do not usually affect your ability to drive. However, if you feel light-headed or dizzy, do not drive and check with your doctor.

A: Doctor - before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if he prescribes any new treatment. Dentist - before having dental surgery. Pharmacist - before buying any medicines.

A: As you start feeling better you may try to do too much and feel faint, especially in hot weather. Make sure you discuss with your doctor a safe amount of exercise for you.

A: The usual starting dose for the treatment of high blood pressure is 12.5mg twice a day. This dose may be increased by your doctor up to 50mg twice a day.

When Acepril is used to help the heart pump blood around the body, the usual starting dose is 6.25mg or 12.5mg. This may be increased by your doctor to a maximum of 150mg daily in divided doses.

The usual starting dose for use after a heart attack is 6.25mg which may then be increased by your doctor to a maximum of 150mg daily in divided doses.

The usual dose for the treatment of diabetic patients with kidney disease is 75mg to 100mg daily in divided doses.

Doctors sometimes prescribe different doses to these: if this applies to you, you should discuss it with your doctor if you have not already done so.

A. It does not matter.

A. Continue with Acepril tablets until your doctor tells you otherwise. Keep your doctor's appointments even if you feel well.

A. Go to your nearest hospital Casualty Department or tell your doctor immediately. If you are going to the hospital, take the empty container and any remaining tablets with you. If the person has fainted, lay them down and raise their feet higher than their head.

A. If you miss a dose do not worry. Just carry on taking your normal dose when the next one is due. DO NOT take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

A: All medicines may cause some unwanted or 'side-effects' in a few patients. If you experience any of the following TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY:

Swelling of the hands, face, lips or tongue, difficulty in breathing, sore throat or fever, continued vomiting or diarrhoea, severe dizziness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, unusually fast or irregular heart beat.

Sometimes Acepril causes dizziness, rashes, sensitivity to light, flushing, taste impairment, inflammation of the mouth, upset stomach, pins and needles in the hands, cough and swollen glands. If these symptoms persist or become troublesome you should tell your doctor.

Rarely disorders of the blood, kidney or liver can occur. Your doctor may need to give you blood tests to monitor your condition.