Captohexal

Generic Name: Captopril
Product Name: Captohexal

Indication

Captopril is used in the treatment of;- High blood pressure- Myocardial infarction (heart attack). Captopril improves survival rates after a myocardial infarction and reduces the incidence of heart failure in these patients. – Heart failure – Diabetic kidney disease in patients with type I diabetes mellitus

Action

Captopril inhibits an enzyme in the body known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). By doing this Captopril allows blood vessels to dilate and increases the amount of fluid and salt lost from the kidneys. These two effects lower the patientâ??s blood pressure. Captopril can be used with diuretics to lower the blood pressure even further.

Dose advice

Hypertension: The initial dose is 6.25-12.5mg and the usual maintenance dose is 25-50mg daily; If the blood pressure is not adequately lowered a thiazide diuretic should be added.Myocardial Infarction: Initially 6.25mg should be given daily from the third day after the myocardial infarction. This dose should be gradually increased over several weeks to 50mg three times daily.Heart Failure: Initial dose should be 2.5-6.25mg daily and the usual maintenance dose is 25-75mg twice daily.Diabetic Nephropathy: 75-100mg is given daily, in 2 divided doses.

Schedule

Common side effects

Hypotension (low blood pressure)
– Rashes occurs in some patients and are more likely to occur in patients with renal impairment. The rash generally occurs during the first four weeks of treatment, and will resolve even with continued use of Captopril
– Cough which is typically persistent, non-productive, dry and worse at night. It resolves after Captopril is stopped
– Taste disturbances such as decreased sense of taste or metallic tastes can occur during the first few weeks of treatment but usually disappear within 1-3 months.

Uncommon side effects

– Increased pulse rate, chest pain and palpitations
– Stomach irritation
– Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and constipation
– Mouth and tongue ulceration
– Increased volume and frequency of urination
– Swelling of the lymph glands
– Flushing or paleness
– Increased sensitivity of the skin to light
– Loss of sensation of the hands
– Muscle aches
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– Dry mouth
– Shortness of breath and wheezing
– Disturbed vision
– Itching and/or dry eyes
– Impotence and loss of libido
– Insomnia
– Raynaud’s phenomenon