Captopril

Description

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme the body uses to make a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls. It is licensed for high blood pressure and for heart and kidney conditions including heart failure and problems following a heart attack. Unlike most medicines of its class it is short acting, so it is usually taken two or three times a day rather than once.

Your prescriber will tell you the dose and when to take it. A dry, tickly cough and a change in the way food tastes are both recognised effects. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat is rare but needs urgent medical attention. Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test, and will ask about potassium supplements and salt substitutes. This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy.

• ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart conditions
• Available in 12.5mg, 25mg and 50mg tablets
• Short acting, so it is usually taken more than once a day
• A dry cough and a change in taste are recognised effects
• Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
• Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant