Captopril
Generic Details
Generic Name
Captopril
Other Names
- Capoten
Drug Class
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor
Chemical Formula
C9H15NO3S
Molecular Weight
217.29 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme, leading to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone secretion
Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Diabetic nephropathy
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 25-50 mg two or three times daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Initiate at lower doses due to age-related decrease in renal function
Side Effects
- Dry cough
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal impairment
- Angioedema
Contraindications
- History of angioedema with previous ACE inhibitor use
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Compatible, but caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- NSAIDs
- Lithium
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal failure
Antidote for Overdose
- Supportive care and hemodialysis
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly and well-absorbed
- Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues
- Metabolism: Hepatic, to captopril disulfide
- Excretion: Primarily renal excretion
Precautions
- Renal impairment
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyponatremia
Warnings
- Risk of angioedema
- Monitor for signs of renal impairment
Others
- May cause a metallic or salty taste in the mouth