Capoten (Captopril)

Capoten - Medical Facts You Need To Know About This Drug

This drug is used for hypertensive patients by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). This ace inhibitor hampers the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which results in lowering the levels of angiotensin II; this in turn, reduces aldosterone secretion thus producing anti-hypertensive effects. 

What Is Capoten?

It is an ACE inhibitor that causes vasodilatation (dilation of the arteries and vessels) which is the main mechanism for antihypertensive effects. The brand name for this drug is Capoten while the generic name is captopril.

It was developed by three researchers at the Squibb pharmaceutical corporation namely: Miguel Ondetti, David Cusham and Bernard Rubin. It was patented by Squibb pharmaceuticals in the year1977 and received FDA approval on 6th April 1981.

What is it used for?

It is indicated in:

• Hypertension
• Myocardial infarction in the heart muscle
• Congestive cardiac failure
• Preserves kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy

How Should You Take It?

The drug is usually taken 1 - 2 hours before meals because food can reduce absorption of the medicine in the blood.

The dosage depends on cardiac condition, age and type of heart ailment. Normally, the dose is 25 mg twice or thrice daily. The dose can gradually be increased up to 50 mg, 2-3 times a day. If the desired antihypertensive effect hasn’t been achieved the physician may prescribe a diuretic or a beta blocker in conjunction with Capoten. The total daily dose should never exceed 450 mg.

This drug is a pregnancy category D which implies that it cannot be prescribed during pregnancy especially till the third trimester as it can damage or kill the fetus.

Captopril interacts with other drugs like lithium and can lead to toxicity. If the patient is taking other vasodilator drugs, they should be stopped during the medication with this drug. The drug should be kept at room temperature in a dry place.

Doses should be taken around the same day every day and shouldn’t be missed but if that happens take it as soon as possible but if it is already time for the next dose do not your dose.

Contraindication/precautions:

It is contraindicated for use in pregnancy and those who are allergic to it

It should be used with proper caution in patients with renal impairment as it is primarily excreted through urine.

The treatment should be closely monitored by the physician. This drug may cause various lab tests to appear false positive. So this should always be kept in mind while ordering any tests.

Alcohol should be avoided during this treatment as it can lead to serious side effects.

Top Benefits Accrued From This Drug

• Some clinical research has proven that it can lead to mood elevation in patients.
• This drug is undergoing research for its potential cancer curing properties
• Antihypertensive effects last longer with this drug
• In large scale controlled trials, it has been proven that it can increase the long term survival rate of cardiac patients substantially
• This drug can work in harmony with many others like diuretics, aspirin and beta blockers with minimal side effects.