Captopril

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Introduction #

Generic name: Captopril

Brand name: Capoten

Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Uses #

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Prevention of heart attack and stroke

Heart failure

Benefits #

In Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Capotril 12.5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. It reduces stress on the heart and relaxes the blood vessels. This widens the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around your body, thereby lowering your blood pressure. Controlled blood pressure reduces the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly, as prescribed, to be effective. You do not usually feel immediate benefit from taking this medicine, however, it helps you maintain your blood pressure in the long term.

In Prevention of heart attack and stroke

Capotril 12.5mg Tablet lowers your blood pressure. As a result, it reduces the chance of damage to the small blood vessels in your heart and kidneys. This reduces the risk of getting a heart attack and kidney problems. It also helps in slowing down the rate at which they get worse if you already have problems. This medicine must be taken regularly to be effective.

In Heart failure

Capotril 12.5mg Tablet makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body so the heart has to do less work. This can improve your heart function and reduce the symptoms of heart failure. It will help improve your quality of life and enable you to go about your daily activities more efficiently. The medicine must be taken regularly and as long as the doctor has prescribed it to be effective.

Directions for use #

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Capotril 12.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works? #

Capotril 12.5mg Tablet is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by reducing stress on the heart and relaxing blood vessel so that blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Side effects #

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out

• Little or no urination, or urinating more than usual

• Shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain

• Chest pain or pressure, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

• High potassium - nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement

• Sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms.

Common captopril side effects may include:

• Cough

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)

• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet

• Loss of taste sensation

• Mild skin itching or rash.

Warnings #

Do not use captopril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

If you have diabetes, do not use captopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).