Captopril is a well-known drug from the group of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These are drugs that inhibit the action of the enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, which increases blood pressure, is responsible for the development of organ complications in arterial hypertension and is an important component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Action of captopril

Captopril causes a drop in blood pressure and reduces the hypertrophy of the left ventricle. In heart failure, due to the reduction of peripheral resistance, captopril reduces the effort of the heart, and in diabetic nephropathy - proteinuria.

Indications for the use of captopril

The main indications are arterial hypertension (both as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs) and chronic heart failure with decreased ventricular function (captopril is then combined with diuretics and, if appropriate, with digitalis glycosides and beta-blockers).

This drug is also used in patients after myocardial infarction and in diabetic nephropathy.

Contraindications to the use of captopril

Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation or other ACE inhibitors, history of angioedema associated with the use of an ACE inhibitor, hereditary or idiopathic angioedema, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

The drug is also contraindicated if you are breastfeeding or if you have diabetes or impaired renal function and are being treated with a blood pressure lowering drug containing aliskiren.

Available preparations

The drug is available in the form of traditional tablets. Each tablet contains 12.5 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg of captopril.

Captopril dosage

Captopril as a prescription-only medicine is used strictly according to the doctor's prescription. The preparation can be administered before, during and after a meal.

If you miss a dose, do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

In most patients, the antihypertensive effect of captopril appears about 15-30 minutes after oral ingestion, while the maximum reductionblood pressure after 4 weeks of regular use.

Side effects of captopril

Often noted:

  • sleep disorders,
  • taste disturbance,
  • dizziness
  • is a dry, persistent cough that disappears after drug discontinuation.

One of the more common complications of using ACE inhibitors is hyperkalemia, i.e. too much potassium in the blood.

During treatment with captopril, initial and periodic monitoring of serum potassium is recommended, especially in patients with renal insufficiency or taking potassium-sparing medications simultaneously.

Interaction with other drugs

  • The use of captopril in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone) or other drugs that increase blood potassium levels may increase the risk of hyperkalaemia.
  • Concomitant use of nitroglycerin or other vasodilators, certain general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics with ACE inhibitors may result in an excessive reduction in blood pressure and increase the risk of hypotension.
  • Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and antidiabetic drugs may be associated with the risk of hypoglycaemia. This effect is more likely to occur during the first weeks of combination therapy.
  • Reversible increases in serum levels of lithium and an increase in lithium toxicity have been observed with concomitant use of ACE inhibitors.
  • When used in combination with NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) pain relievers, captopril may increase the risk of usually reversible worsening of kidney function. Chronic use of NSAIDs may also reduce the antihypertensive efficacy of the drug.

Effect on ability to drive

The ability to drive and use machines may be impaired, especially when initiating treatment or after changing the dosage. It depends on the individual predispositions of the patient.

Storing medicine

There are no special storage instructions. The drug should be stored in a suitable place that is invisible and inaccessible to children. You should not use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the package.

Category:

He alth