Drug interactions
Captopril + Insulin nph
Severity: Moderate
Captopril and Insulin nph: 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
Captopril may potentiate the blood glucose-lowering action of NPH insulin, and episodes of hypoglycemia have been reported with ACE inhibitors in insulin-treated patients. Risk is greatest early in therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Captopril and Insulin nph 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
ACE inhibition probably improves insulin sensitivity (possibly via increased bradykinin), producing an additive glucose-lowering effect.
What to do
Check blood glucose more often after starting or changing captopril and lower the insulin dose if hypoglycemia develops.
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 Captopril with Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Captopril and Insulin nph 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. Captopril may potentiate the blood glucose-lowering action of NPH insulin, and episodes of hypoglycemia have been reported with ACE inhibitors in insulin-treated patients. Risk is greatest early in therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Captopril and Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check blood glucose more often after starting or changing captopril and lower the insulin dose if hypoglycemia develops.
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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