Captopril Tablets Description

Definition

Captopril is oral antihypertensive agents. Captopril tablets is available in 25 mg with 15 mg, 25

mg with 25 mg, 50 mg with 15 mg, and 50 mg with 25 mg. In addition, each tablet contains the
following inactive ingredients: lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, pregelatinized starch, and stearic acid. Captopril is a white to off-white crystalline
powder that may have a slight sulfurous odor; it is soluble in water (approx. 160 mg/mL),
methanol, and ethanol and sparingly soluble in chloroform and ethyl acetate.

Mechanism

Captopril works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a
result, the blood vessels relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and
oxygen to the heart.

Indications

Captopril tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. The blood pressure lowering
effects of captopril and thiazides are approximately additive.

This fixed combination drug may be used as initial therapy or substituted for previously titrated
doses of the individual components.

Captopril is also used to help treat heart failure. It is also used in some patients after a heart
attack. After a heart attack, some of the heart muscle is damaged and weakened. The heart
muscle may continue to weaken as time goes by. This makes it more difficult for the heart to
pump blood. Captopril may be started within the first few days after a heart attack to increase
survival rate.

Contraindications
This product is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to captopril or any other
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., a patient who has experienced angioedema during
therapy with any other ACE inhibitor).

How to Use

Oral administration of therapeutic doses of captopril, rapid absorption occurs with peak blood
levels at about one hour. Captopril therefore should be given one hour before meals.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Side Effects

Head and neck angioedema

Intestinal angioedema

Anaphylactoid reactions during desensitization

Anaphylactoid reactions during membrane exposure

Hepatic Failure