Captopril (Capoten, Captoril) is an antihypertensive agent that belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors)
Captopril is a vasodilator that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure as well as heart failure and several other conditions.
| Generic name | Captopril |
| Brand name | Capoten, Captoril |
| Drug class | Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors |
| Drug group | Antihypertensive, Vasodilator |
Captopril acts by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor), and thus, decreases blood pressure.
Captopril is sold under the brand names Capoten and Captoril. It is available as tablets and oral solutions.
Captopril is also available in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) under the brand name Capozide..
Captopril like all of the ACE inhibitors exerts its effect by interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Captopril (Capoten) works by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor), causing relaxation of muscles surrounding the blood vessels and dilating them, thereby improving blood flow.
Captopril is used in the treatment and management of:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Left ventricular dysfunction following an acute myocardial infraction
This medication should be taken one hour before meals (to enhance its absorption), usually two or three times daily as administered by the doctor.
What should I do if I missed a dose? And when can I stop taking the drug?
If you forget a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember; however, if you are supposed to take your next dose within 2 hours, take one dose now and skip the next dose.
Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, if you stop suddenly the condition may become worse.
Overdose
Usually taking an extra dose of captopril will not cause problems, however, large overdoses can cause dizziness or fainting. In case of an overdose, you should immediately notify your doctor.
Captopril (Captoril) is available as:
Tablets
Oral solution (sugar free)
Make sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term kidney problems.
You have long-term liver problems.
You have heart problems.
You are allergic to captopril.
You have had angioedema from previous treatment with ACE inhibitors.
You are using other medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Captopril (Capoten) is not prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Captopril can cross the placenta and distribute in breast milk, so it may cause harm and death to the developing fetus.
Can I drive and do hazardous work while Im using captopril?
Captopril causes dizziness since the drug can lower blood pressure; therefore, it’s recommended to avoid those activities until you have found out how the drug specifically affects you.
Captopril may cause a variety of adverse effects, mainly rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms. Most of these side effects usually disappear after a period of using the treatment.
Common captopril side effects include:
- Loss of taste
- Rash
- Dry cough
- Peptic ulcer
- Insomnia
Less common and rare side effects of captopril include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- Paresthesia (prickling sensation)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Tachycardia
Several drugs and substances can interact with captopril causing undesired effects. Interaction can affect the activity of the drug or increase the severity of its side effects.
Captopril can form drug-drug interactions with the following drugs:
| Drug entity | Nature of interaction |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
Reduce the effectiveness of captopril. Increase the risk of kidney damage when they are taken with captopril |
| Vasodilators, diuretics, and other antihypertensives | Increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect |
| Potassium supplements & potassium-sparing diuretics | Increase the risk of high potassium levels |
| Ciclosporin | Increases the risk of high potassium levels in the blood |
| Lithium | Blood levels of lithium are raised by captopril |
1. Kizior, R.J. and Hodgson, B.B. (2018). Saunders nursing drug handbook 2019. Philadelphia: Saunders.
2. British Medical Association (2015). British Medical Association new guide to medicine & drugs. London: Dorling Kindersley.
3. Joint formulary committee, BNF 80 (The British National Formulary), 80th Revised edition, Pharmaceutical Press, London, United Kingdom, [2020]
4. Williams and Wolters Kluwer Health (2012). Nursing 2012 drug handbook. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that are used in the treatment and management of high blood pressure and heart failure. Find a list of ACE inhibitors in this article.
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart failure. It is available as tablets and oral solutions.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease in which irreversible damage to the kidneys leads to a reduction in kidney function. CKD has 5 stages and many complications.
Hyperemia is buildup of blood within vessels of an organ. Hyperemia is divided into two types: Active and passive, what causes active hyperemia?
This article focuses on the side effects of the drug as well as lisinopril warnings. Click here to read about the most common, common, and rare side effects of this medication.
Dosage guide of Lisinopril: Click to read about the dose for your specific condition and age group.
Subscribe to our email lists and upgrade your life into a healthier and happier one.
SubscribeSign up for our newsletter(s) and receive healthy and scientific content to have a healthier life.
Choose Newsletter(s)Follow Medical Hex on social media platforms to be informed about latest health news and health-related scientific concepts.
A place you can find correct medical advice and information on health conditions as well as medical scientific articles. Our aim is to improve the health of human race by increasing health literacy through providing science-based content about health conditions.
©2022 Medical Hex. All Rights Reserved.