Captopril

Brand Names

Captopril

What is Captopril

Captopril (Capoten) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ACE. It is effective for treating several conditions related to the heart, blood vessels and kidneys such as high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by reducing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Side effects of Captopril

Captopril common side effects may include:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• salty or metallic taste or decreased ability to taste
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• mouth sores
• unusual bruising
• fast heartbeat
• excessive tiredness

If you have noticed any of the following side effects, contact your doctor at once:

• chest pain
• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash

Indication

Captopril is used for the following purposes:

• High blood pressure control
• Relief of symptoms of congestive heart failure
• Treatment following a heart attack to improve survival and decrease the chances of developing congestive heart failure
• Diabetic nephropathy treatmen.

Precautions

Inform your doctor before taking captopril if you:

• Have heart disease, including congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Have liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Have kidney disease or kidney failure
• Have diabetes
• Have scleroderma
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
• Have a personal or family history of angioedema (swelling under the skin)
• Have any allergies, including allergies to ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant
• Are on dialysis
• Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia
• Are taking any other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Captopril dose for High Blood Pressure

The recommended starting dosage of captopril for most people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 25 mg, either 2-3 times a day. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose based on the blood pressure response or side effects of captopril. With each change in dosage, it may take several weeks to see the full effects of captopril on lowering blood pressure.

Captopril dose for Congestive Heart Failure

The recommended starting dosage of captopril for people with congestive heart failure is 25 mg 3 times a day. Based on the response or side effects, the dosage may be increased or decreased. Most people take an average of 50-100 mg of captopril 3 times a day.

Captopril dose for Diabetic Nephropathy

The recommended dose of captopril for diabetic nephropathy is 25 mg 3 times a day.