Drug interactions
Amyl nitrite + Captopril
Severity: Moderate
Amyl nitrite and Captopril: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amyl nitrite is a potent short-acting vasodilator and captopril lowers blood pressure, so combined use can produce marked hypotension, dizziness or syncope. The effect is most relevant in volume-depleted or elderly patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amyl nitrite and Captopril can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive vasodilation through nitric oxide-mediated venous/arterial relaxation and reduced angiotensin II activity.
What to do
Have the patient sit or lie down when using amyl nitrite and monitor blood pressure. Avoid in patients who are hypotensive or volume depleted.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Captopril
- Aliskiren + Captopril Contraindicated
- Captopril + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Captopril + Sacubitril-valsartan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Captopril Major
- Amiloride + Captopril Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Captopril Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amyl nitrite with Captopril?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amyl nitrite and Captopril can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Amyl nitrite is a potent short-acting vasodilator and captopril lowers blood pressure, so combined use can produce marked hypotension, dizziness or syncope. The effect is most relevant in volume-depleted or elderly patients.
How serious is the interaction between Amyl nitrite and Captopril?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Have the patient sit or lie down when using amyl nitrite and monitor blood pressure. Avoid in patients who are hypotensive or volume depleted.
What other medicines interact with Captopril?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Captopril with, for example, Aliskiren, Sacubitril / valsartan, Sacubitril-valsartan. The full list is on the Captopril page.
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