Captopril (Terry White Chemists)
Generic Name: Captopril
Product Name: Captopril (Terry White Chemists)
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
S4
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
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For further information talk to your doctor.
Dates
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