Capoten® (Captopril)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules

Capoten (Captopril) 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg tablets is a first‑generation ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. By blocking angiotensin‑converting enzyme, Capoten reduces angiotensin II formation and aldosterone secretion, lowering blood pressure, improving cardiac remodeling, and slowing renal disease progression.
Captopril – available as 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg oral tablets.
Captopril USP

ACE Inhibitor (ACE‑I)

Capoten® (brand)

SQ 14225 (development code)
Captopril competitively inhibits angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE), preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and reducing bradykinin degradation. The result is:

Vasodilation of arterioles and veins, lowering afterload and preload.

Decreased aldosterone secretion, promoting natriuresis and diuresis.

Reduced sympathetic tone and mitigated cardiac remodeling.
Essential Hypertension: Monotherapy or combination when other agents insufficient.

Heart Failure: Adjunct to diuretics and β‑blockers to improve symptoms and survival.

Post‑Myocardial Infarction: To reduce mortality and LV dysfunction.

Diabetic Nephropathy: To slow progression of proteinuria and renal impairment in type 1 diabetes.
Indication Initial Dose Titration Maintenance Dose
Hypertension 12.5 mg twice daily Increase every 1–2 weeks as needed 25–50 mg 2–3 times daily
Heart Failure (NYHA II–IV) 6.25 mg 3 times daily Double every 2 weeks to target dose 50 mg 3 times daily
Post‑MI 6.25 mg within 24 h of event Increase over days to 50 mg every 6 h Continue for ≥6 weeks
Diabetic Nephropathy 25 mg twice daily Adjust per renal function and BP Up to 50 mg twice daily

Administration: Take 1 hour before meals (food reduces absorption). Swallow whole with water.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered; if near next dose skip—do not double.
Formulation: Oral tablets

Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only
Pregnancy: Category D – Contraindicated in second and third trimesters (risk of fetal renal damage).

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; use alternatives if possible.

Renal Impairment: Use caution; initial dose reduction in creatinine clearance <40 mL/min.

Elderly: Start at low end; monitor blood pressure and renal function.
Cough (up to 10 %)

Rash, taste disturbance (metallic/peppery)

Hypotension, dizziness

Proteinuria (transient)

Serious:

Angioedema (life‑threatening)

Neutropenia, agranulocytosis (rare)

Hepatotoxicity (elevated LFTs)

Hyperkalemia, renal failure
Angioedema: Immediate discontinuation and emergency treatment if swelling of face, tongue, or airway occurs.

Hypotension: Risk in volume‑depleted patients; correct dehydration before initiation.

Renovascular Hypertension: Contraindicated in bilateral renal artery stenosis—risk of acute renal failure.

Electrolytes: Monitor serum potassium and creatinine periodically.

Surgery/Anesthesia: May enhance hypotensive effects—inform anesthetist.
Therapeutic Class: Antihypertensive, Cardioprotective

Pharmacologic Class: ACE Inhibitor

Legal Category: Prescription Only
Potassium‑Sparing Diuretics/Supplements: Additive hyperkalemia risk.

NSAIDs: May reduce antihypertensive efficacy and worsen renal function.

Diuretics: Pre‑treatment can potentiate first‑dose hypotension—dose adjustment advised.

Lithium: Reduced clearance—monitor serum lithium.

Antidiabetics: May enhance hypoglycemic effect—monitor glucose.
CONSENSUS Trial: Captopril reduced 6‑month mortality by 40 % in severe heart failure (NYHA III–IV).

Hoorn Study: Demonstrated captopril’s superior renal protection in type 1 diabetic nephropathy compared to placebo.

Post‑MI Trials: Early initiation within 24 hours reduces mortality and LV dysfunction up to 6 weeks.

FAQs – Capoten (Captopril)
Q1. How long until Capoten lowers blood pressure?
A: Onset within 15–60 minutes; peak effect at 1–2 hours; duration ~6–12 hours.

Q2. Can I take Capoten with food?
A: Take on empty stomach; food reduces absorption by ~25 %.

Q3. What if I develop a cough?
A: Cough is common; consider switching to an ARB if persistent and troublesome.

Q4. How should I monitor kidney function?
A: Check serum creatinine and potassium at baseline, 1–2 weeks after initiation, and periodically.

Q5. Can Capoten be used in children?
A: Off‑label in pediatric hypertension under specialist supervision; dosing ~0.3 mg/kg twice daily.

Q6. Is dose adjustment needed in liver disease?
A: Use caution in severe hepatic impairment; monitor for hypotension and drug levels.

Q7. How do I manage missed doses?
A: Take when remembered if >4 hours before next dose; otherwise skip—do not double up.
Capoten, Captopril, ACE Inhibitor, Hypertension Treatment, Heart Failure Therapy, Diabetic Nephropathy Drug, Capoten Dosage, EZ Chemist, Antihypertensive Guide, Post‑MI ACE‑I