Captopril is a drug used to lower high blood pressure and treat heart failure because it is a vasodilator, and has the trade name Capoten.
This medicine is bought with a prescription at the pharmacy and must be taken at the doctor's advice.
Price
The price of Capoten ranges from 50 to 100 reais depending on the amount of tablets in the box and the region.
Indications
Captopril is indicated for the control of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction or kidney disease caused by diabetes.
Captopril acts to lower blood pressure, with maximum blood pressure reductions 60 to 90 minutes after dosing.
How to use
For hypertension:
- 1 tablet of 50 mg per day, 1 hour before the meal or
- 2 x 25 mg tablets, 1 hour before meals, every day.
- If there is no blood pressure reduction, the dose may be increased to 100 mg once daily or 50 mg twice daily.
For heart failure: take 1 tablet 25 mg to 50 mg 2 to 3 times a day, one hour before meals.
Side effects
The most common side effects of captopril may be persistent dry cough, and headache. Diarrhea, loss of taste, fatigue and nausea may also occur.
Contraindications
Captopril is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance, or to any other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Also, it can not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
