Back to Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Name: Captopril
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes
- Antihypertensive
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Mechanism of action
Blocks ACE from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor, leading to decreased blood pressure, decreased aldosterone secretion, a small increase in serum otassium levels, and sodium and fluid loss; increased prostaglandin synthesis also may be involved in the antihypertensive action.
Indications
- Treatment of hypertension alone or in combination with thiazide-type diuretics
- Treatment of CHF in patients who do not respond adquately to conventional therapy; used with diuretics anddigitalis
Unlabeled uses: management of hypertensive crises; treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; diabetic nephropathy, diagnosis of anatomic renal artery stenosis, hypertension related to scleroderma renal crisis; diagnosis of primary aldosteronism, idiopathic edema; Bartter's syndrome; Raynaud's syndrome; hypertension of Takayasu's disease
Contraindications/cautions
- Allergy to captopril; impaired renal function; CHF; salt/volume depletion, lactation.
Adverse effects
- CV: Tachycardia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Raynaud's syndrome, CHF, hypotension in salt/volume depleted patients
- GI: Gastric irritation, aphthous ulcers, peptic ulcers, dysgeusia, cholestatic jaundice, hepatocellular injury, anorexia, constipation
- Hematologic: Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, fatal pancytopenia
- GU: Proteinuria, renal insufficiency, renal failure, polyuria, oliguria, urinary frequency
- Dermatologic: Rash, pruritus, pemphigoid-like reaction, scalded mouth sensation, exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity, alopecia
- Other: Cough, malaise, dry mouth, lymphadenopathy
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