Captopril

What it is and how it works

Mechanism class: Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension: Captopril tablets, USP, are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. In using captopril tablets, USP, consideration should be given to the risk of neutropenia/agranulocytosis (see WARNINGS ). Captopril tablets, USP may be used as initial therapy for patients with normal renal function, in whom the risk is relatively low. In patients with impaired renal function, particularly those with collagen vascular disease, captopril should be reserved for hypertensives who have either developed unacceptable side effects on other drugs, or have failed to respond satisfactorily to drug combinations. Captopril tablets, USP are effective alone and in combination with other antihypertensive agents, especially thiazidetype diuretics. The blood pressure lowering effects of captopril and thiazides are approximately additive. Heart Failure: Captopril tablets, USP are indicated in the treatment of congestive heart failure usually in combination with diuretics and digitalis.

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Captopril tablets, USP should be taken one hour before meals. Dosage must be individualized. Hypertension: Initiation of therapy requires consideration of recent antihypertensive drug treatment, the extent of blood pressure elevation, salt restriction, and other clinical circumstances. If possible, discontinue the patient’s previous antihypertensive drug regimen for one week before starting captopril. The initial dose of captopril tablets, USP is 25 mg twice daily or three times a day. If satisfactory reduction of blood pressure has not been achieved after one week or two weeks, the dose may be increased to 50 mg twice daily or three times a day.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Captopril is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this product or any other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., a patient who has experienced angioedema during therapy with any other ACE inhibitor). Do not co-administer aliskiren with captopril in patients with diabetes (see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). Captopril is contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril).

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS Anaphylactoid and Possibly Related Reactions Presumably because angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including captopril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious. Head and Neck Angioedema: Angioedema involving the extremities, face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis or larynx has been seen in patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including captopril.

Storage and supply

HOW SUPPLIED Captopril tablets, USP are available containing 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of captopril, USP. The 12.5 mg tablets are white to off-white, oval shaped, flat beveled edged uncoated tablets having break line on both sides and one side debossed with “C” on one side of the break line and “1” on other side of the break line (bisect).

Source: Captopril (Captopril) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-11-27, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.