captopril at a glance
Medicine class
ACE inhibitor
Main licensed roles
Hypertension, chronic heart failure, management after myocardial infarction and macroproteinuric nephropathy in type 1 diabetes
Available form
The selected products are oral solutions; sugar-free and non-sugar-free products are represented
Key monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function, potassium and sodium
What is captopril used for?
The selected oral-solution products license captopril for:
Hypertension.
Chronic heart failure, including use alongside other appropriate heart-failure treatment.
Treatment of clinically stable patients following myocardial infarction and prevention of symptomatic heart failure in patients with left-ventricular dysfunction.
Macroproteinuric diabetic nephropathy in people with type 1 diabetes.
How does captopril work?
Captopril inhibits ACE, reducing formation of angiotensin II and aldosterone secretion. This relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure and cardiac workload. Reduced breakdown of bradykinin contributes to vasodilation but can also cause dry cough and angioedema.
captopril preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg/5 mL, 25 mg/5 mL
How to take captopril
Take the prescribed oral solution exactly as directed. Check the product and concentration, measure it with the supplied oral syringe or specified device, and follow product instructions for shaking, feeding-tube use and storage. Selected leaflets permit administration with or without food, although food can reduce absorption. Follow the instructions for the exact product supplied.
Use an oral measuring device rather than a household spoon.
Confirm the correct bottle and concentration before measuring.
Ask a pharmacist if the label, measuring device or product instructions are unclear.
Do not stop captopril solely because you feel well; discuss this with the prescriber.
captopril side effects
Common or expected effects
- Persistent dry cough
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Altered taste
- Sleep disturbance
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation
- Itching or rash, sometimes with hair loss
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Fever, sore throat or other infection symptoms that could indicate a blood-cell disorder
- Jaundice or other symptoms of liver injury
- Markedly reduced urine output, collapse or severe faintness
captopril in pregnancy
Captopril is generally avoided during pregnancy and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters. Anyone planning pregnancy should discuss an alternative beforehand. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, contact the prescriber promptly. Exposure later in pregnancy can impair fetal kidneys and reduce amniotic fluid.
captopril while breastfeeding
Only very small amounts of captopril are expected in breast milk, but caution is greatest with premature babies and newborns because of possible blood-pressure and kidney effects. Specialist consideration may be possible for an older infant when captopril is necessary, with infant observation. Selected product information differs, so check the exact product. Enalapril is generally preferred during breastfeeding.
captopril interactions
Important interactions include:
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics
May cause clinically important hyperkalaemia; potassium requires close monitoring if combined.
Angiotensin receptor blockers or aliskiren
Dual renin–angiotensin system blockade increases hypotension, hyperkalaemia and kidney-injury risk; some aliskiren combinations are contraindicated.
Common questions about captopril
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why can captopril cause a dry cough?
ACE inhibition slows bradykinin breakdown, which can cause a persistent dry cough.
Can captopril cause angioedema after years of treatment?
Yes. ACE-inhibitor angioedema can begin after weeks, months or years. Facial, tongue or throat swelling requires urgent medical attention.
Can captopril oral solution be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.