Review Drug

Brand names Acepril, Capoten

Used in the following combined preparations Acezide, Capozide

GENERAL INFORMATION

Captopril belongs to the class of drugs railed ACE inhibitors, used to treat
high blood pressure and heart failure. The drug works by relaxing the muscles
around blood vessels, allowing them to dilate and thereby easing blood flow.

Captopril lowers blood pressure rapidly but may require several weeks to achieve
maximum effect. People with heart failure may be given captopril in addition to
diuretics. It can achieve dramatic improvement, relieving muscle spasms of the
blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.

The first dose is usually very small and should be taken while lying down as
there is a risk of a sudden fall in blood pressure. Diuretics are often
prescribed with captopril.

A variety of minor side effects may occur. Some people experience upset in their
sense of taste, while others get a persistent dry cough. A reduction in dose may
help minimize these effects.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets.

Frequency and timing of doses

2-3 x daily.

Adult dosage range

12.5-25mg daily initially, gradually increased to50-150mg daily.

Onset of effect

30-60 minutes.

Duration of action

6-8 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; stopping the drug may lead
to worsening of the underlying condition.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause dizziness or fainting. Notify your doctor.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

Captopril causes a variety of minor adverse effects on the gastrointestinal
system. Rashes,

which may occur, usually disappear soon after treatment is begun.

INTERACTIONS

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) Some of these drugs may reduce
the effectiveness of Captopril. There is also a risk of kidney damage when they
are taken with captopril.

Potassium supplements and potassium- sparing diuretics These drugs increase the
risk of high potassium levels in the blood when they are taken with captopril.

Cyclosporin This drug increases the risk of high potassium levels in the blood
when it is taken with captopril.

Lithium Levels of lithium may be increased by captopril.

Vasodilators (e.g., nitrates) may reduce blood pressure even further.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group ACE inhibitor

Overdose danger rating Medium

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic No

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term kidney problems.

You have coronary artery disease.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Not usually prescribed. May harm the developing fetus. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the
baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not usually prescribed. Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

Reduced dose may be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how captopril affects you because
the drug can cause dizziness and fainting.

Alcohol

Avoid. Alcohol may increase the adverse effects of the drug.

Surgery and general anaesthetics

Captopril may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic. Discuss
this before any operation.

PROLONGED USE

Rarely, prolonged use can lead to changes in the blood count or kidney function.

Monitoring Periodic checks on potassium levels, white blood cell count, and
urine are usually performed during the first three months of treatment.