Angiten

Indications

Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, to protect the heart after a heart attack, and to slow kidney damage in people with diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).

How It Works

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme that makes angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water. As a result, blood vessels relax, blood pressure falls and the heart does not have to work as hard.

Dosage and Administration

Take as prescribed. For high blood pressure, adults usually start with 12.5 to 25 mg two times a day, and the dose may be increased gradually to 50 mg two or three times a day. Lower starting doses are used in heart failure, in older people, in kidney disease and in people taking diuretics. Captopril is best taken about 1 hour before meals, at regular times each day.

Interactions

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, and potassium-sparing diuretics such as Spironolactone can raise blood potassium too much. Diuretics can cause a large drop in blood pressure at the start. Pain killers such as Ibuprofen can reduce its effect and harm the kidneys. It can raise Lithium levels. Do not combine with Sacubitril or with Aliskiren in people with diabetes or kidney problems.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Captopril or other ACE inhibitors; if you have ever had angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat); if you are pregnant; or if you have diabetes or kidney problems and take Aliskiren. Do not take within 36 hours of Sacubitril with Valsartan.

Side Effects

Common side effects include a dry, tickly cough, dizziness especially after the first dose, change or loss of taste, rash, itching, tiredness and stomach upset. It can raise blood potassium and affect kidney function.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting, fever with sore throat or mouth ulcers (possible low white cells), yellowing of the skin or eyes, or much less urine than usual.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not take Captopril during pregnancy, as it can seriously harm the unborn baby, especially after the first 3 months. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor at once to switch treatment. Small amounts pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding, especially with newborn or premature babies.

Precautions and Warnings

Your doctor will check kidney function and blood potassium, and sometimes blood counts. Take care when standing up, especially after the first doses or if you are dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhoea. Use with care if you have kidney artery narrowing, heart valve narrowing, autoimmune disease such as lupus, or before surgery or anaesthesia.

Overdose

Overdose can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and slow heartbeat. Get emergency help; lie the person down with legs raised.

Therapeutic Class

Antihypertensive, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.