Drug interactions
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Carbenoxolone
Severity: Major
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Carbenoxolone: major 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
Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity causing sodium and water retention and potassium loss. Combined with hydrochlorothiazide this can cause marked hypokalemia and may counteract the antihypertensive effect. The captopril component only partly offsets the potassium loss.
What this interaction means in plain words
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Carbenoxolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Carbenoxolone inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, producing mineralocorticoid excess that adds to thiazide-induced renal potassium wasting.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or check serum potassium and blood pressure frequently. Replace potassium or stop carbenoxolone if hypokalemia or fluid retention develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide
- Aliskiren + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
- Aldesleukin + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
- Amifostine + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide with Carbenoxolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Carbenoxolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity causing sodium and water retention and potassium loss. Combined with hydrochlorothiazide this can cause marked hypokalemia and may counteract the antihypertensive effect. The captopril component only partly offsets the potassium loss.
How serious is the interaction between Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Carbenoxolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or check serum potassium and blood pressure frequently. Replace potassium or stop carbenoxolone if hypokalemia or fluid retention develops.
What other medicines interact with Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sacubitril / valsartan. The full list is on the Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide page.
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