Captopril

Captopril is an anti-hypertensive medication used for:

• Lowering the blood pressure
• Treating heart failure
• Reduce the risk of heart failure and improve survival after a heart attack among patients with left ventricular hypertrophy
• Treating kidney disease among patients with diabetes type 1 and retinopathy, a type of eye disease
• Treating kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes

This medication is an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin-converting enzymes. ACE inhibitors are mostly prescribed for the treatment and management of high blood pressure or hypertension and congestive heart failure.  ACE inhibitors cause the blood vessels to relax as well as to decrease the blood volume. A decrease in the volume of blood may lead to a decrease in the level of blood pressure and also a decrease in oxygen demand by the heart.

Captopril blocks the action of the ACE converting enzyme known as angiotensin II. It is a potent enzyme that causes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels to become narrow and constrict. The narrowing of the blood vessels increases the pressure in the vessel which causes high blood pressure.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition but when left untreated it can cause damages to the heart, brain, blood vessels, kidney and other organs of the body. Damage to these organs may cause stroke, heart attack, heart and kidney failure, and other serious health problems.

Captopril, as an ACE inhibitor, can slow down the activity of angiotensin II. As a result, it relaxes and dilates the blood vessels which helps lower the blood pressure and improve the condition of the heart. Lowering the blood pressure allows the heart to pump blood around the body with ease. Captopril can improve the overall function of the heart and slows down the progression of the disease in the blood vessels within the kidney.

Why Buy Captopril?

Captopril is FDA-approved for medical use since 1981. It’s a good blood pressure-lowering medication that protects the kidney function and is a first-choice blood-pressure treatment for many people. Captopril is especially useful for people with mild to moderate kidney disease. It helps lower the blood pressure as well as reduce the loss of proteins through the kidney. It helps protect the kidney at the same time is slow down the progression of the disease.

How to Take Captopril?

Captopril comes in a tablet form that you need to take orally. Your dose and the duration of your treatment is based on your condition.

• The recommended dose for treating high blood pressure is 25 mg to 150 mg two to three times a day with a maximum dose of 450 mg a day. It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefits of this drug. If your condition worsens or your blood pressure remains the same, consult your doctor right away.
• For the treatment of heart failure, the dose is 6.25 mg to 12.5 mg every 8 hours. You can see visible improvement weeks to months after you take your medication.
• For the treatment of kidney disease, the dose is 25 mg every 8 hours. Take it at around the same time each day.

Your doctor may start giving you a low dose during the first few days of your medication and may gradually increase it. You may be asked to take the dose once, twice or three times a day.

Take Captopril exactly as directed. Take it at an evenly spaced time. Take it on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before your meal. If it causes stomach upset, you can take it with food.  For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Continue taking your medication even if you feel well.

What are the possible side effects of Captopril?

Captopril is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually transient and mild. Common side effects include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed

Dry mouth and persistent dry cough will resolve after you discontinue using Captopril. If any of the following symptoms do not go away, consult your doctor:

• Fast heartbeat
• Excessive tiredness
• A decreased ability to taste

Serious side effects are:

• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Hives
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the eyes, tongue, lips, legs and arms

If you will experience serious side effects, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Things to Remember

• Before you take this medication, inform your doctor if you have:
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease Liver disease
  • High levels of potassium in the blood
  • Are allergic to other ACE inhibitors
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Scleroderma
• Avoid using a salt substitute that contains potassium while taking Captopril.
• You need to take it multiple times a day. Since the absorption is reduced when taken with food, you need to take it on an empty stomach.
• Captopril can make you feel dizzy especially during the first few days of your medication. For this reason, take your medication at bedtime.
• You need to take plenty of water while using this drug. Diarrhea, vomiting and excessive sweating can make you dehydrated while under medication.
• If you are having surgery including dental procedure inform your doctor. Inform also your doctor if you are taking any other medications including over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. Captopril may interact with other drugs like:
  • Aspirin
  • Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Diuretics
  • Nitrates
• This medicine can help you control your blood pressure but it will not cure your condition.
• Do not stop taking this without consulting your doctor. A sudden stop in your medication can increase your blood pressure.
• Excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea can make you dehydrated during your treatment. So drink plenty of water while taking this medication.
• Captopril is used on a long-term basis. Do not stop taking this medication without informing your doctor. Take it regularly even if you feel well.
• Captopril contains a black-box warning. Therefore pregnant women should not use this medication as it may harm an unborn baby.