Description
Capoten (captopril) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack, and diabetic neuropathy. It's also used with other medications to treat congestive heart failure.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C9H15NO3S |
License |
US FDA |
Bioavailability |
70–75% |
Legal status |
Rx-Only |
Chemical Name |
Captopril |
Elimination half-life |
1.9 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg |
Pregnancy |
Not Recommended |
Brands |
Capoten |
Protein binding |
30% |
PubChem CID |
44093 |
MedlinePlus |
a682823 |
ChEBI |
3380 |
ATC code |
C09AA01 |
DrugBank |
DB14596 |
KEGG |
DB01197 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Directions
Carefully read and follow the instructions that come with your Capoten prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have.
Capoten is available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.
The typical starting dose for high blood pressure is 25 mg by mouth two or three times a day, one hour before meals. The dose may be adjusted based on response to the medication.
The typical starting dose for heart failure is 25 mg by mouth three times a day. The dose may be adjusted based on blood pressure, salt/volume status, and response to the medication.
The typical starting dose for left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack is a single 6.25 mg dose by mouth, then 12.5 mg by mouth three times a day. The dosage should be increased to the recommended maintenance dose of 50 mg by mouth three times a day as tolerated.
The recommended dose for diabetic neuropathy is 25 mg by mouth three times a day. The dose may be adjusted in patients with kidney problems.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Capoten is captopril, an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, lactose, and stearic acid.
Contraindications
Do not take Capoten if you are allergic to captopril or other ACE-inhibitors or to any of the other ingredients contained in Capoten.
Cautions
WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Capoten as soon as possible.
Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
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- Before you start treatment with Capoten, talk to your doctor about all the medications you take, your allergies, your medical history, your health conditions, and your pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
- Capoten can cause angioedema (swelling under the skin) of the extremities, face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis, or larynx which can be life threatening. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any of these effects.
- Capoten can cause intestinal angioedema, which causes stomach pain with or without nausea or vomiting.
- Capoten can cause anaphylactoid reactions in patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera venom or with exposure to membranes.
- Capoten can cause low neutrophil count, a type of white blood cell, which can lead to infections.
- Capoten can cause kidney impairment in some patients.
- Capoten can cause proteinuria, the presence of protein in the urine, particularly in patients with previous kidney disease or those who received more than 150 mg a day of Capoten.
- Capoten can cause low blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Capoten can cause liver failure, although it's rare. Seek emergency care right away if you develop yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, weakness, abdominal pain, or nausea.
- Capoten can cause increased potassium levels. You may be at risk if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or if you take potassium-sparing diuretics or medications or supplements that contain potassium.
- Capoten can cause a dry cough in some patients.
- Patients with aortic stenosis might be at risk of decreased coronary perfusion when treated with Capoten.
- Low blood pressure may occur during surgery or anesthesia in patients taking Capoten.
Side Effects
Capoten medication side effects include rash, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, chest pain, heart palpitations, altered taste, angioedema, cough, lack of energy, breast tissue enlargement in males, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident/insufficiency, rhythm abnormalities, fainting, skin reactions, pancreatitis, glossitis, indigestion, anemia, liver problems, low sodium levels, muscle pain or weakness, coordination problems, confusion, depression, nervousness, drowsiness, rhinitis, bronchospasm, eosinophilic pneumonitis, blurred vision, and inability to achieve an erection.
These are not all the side effects that can occur when treated with Capoten. Contact your doctor right away if you have side effects that bother you or won't go away.
Reference:
Capoten (Captopril Tablets, USP). Spring Valley, NY: Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.; 2012.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 2443