Captopril
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for hypertension, heart failure and several cardiovascular or kidney indications. Its safety profile includes important warnings about pregnancy, angioedema, kidney function and potassium.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Drug class
- ACE inhibitor
- Main uses
- Hypertension · heart failure
- Route
- Oral
- WHO ATC
- C09AA01
- Key safety
- Pregnancy · renal function · potassium
- Monitoring
- Blood pressure · kidney function
Names & terminology
How this entity may be named or searched
- Canonical generic name
- Captopril
- Brand example
- Capoten — availability varies by market
- Class term
- ACE inhibitor · angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
- Combination context
- Captopril combinations are separate medicine entities, not synonyms.
Structured drug profile
Drug profile
What is captopril?
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for hypertension, heart failure and other selected cardiovascular or renal indications.
What is captopril used for?
Captopril is used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It also has labeled uses after myocardial infarction in selected patients and for diabetic nephropathy in specific populations. It works by inhibiting ACE and reducing angiotensin II formation. [1] [2]
How captopril works
By inhibiting ACE, captopril reduces formation of angiotensin II and lowers aldosterone activity, helping blood vessels relax and reducing cardiovascular workload.
Forms and formulations
Captopril is commonly supplied as oral tablets. Product strengths and liquid formulations vary by market; instructions should follow the exact product label.
Country / market layer
Brands & formulations by country
Selected registered products and formulations differ by market. African tabs use national regulatory records or regulator-backed public registration data.
How captopril is taken
Captopril tablets are commonly taken two or three times daily and are generally taken on an empty stomach, one hour before meals. Dosing depends on indication, kidney function, blood pressure response and other medicines. [2]
Side effects
Possible effects include dizziness, cough and taste disturbance. Severe swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, marked faintness or other serious symptoms need urgent assessment. [1]
Important warnings and monitoring
ACE inhibitors can cause angioedema involving the face, lips, tongue or airway. Captopril can also increase potassium and affect kidney function, particularly in people with kidney disease, diabetes or interacting medicines. Monitoring and medication review are therefore important. [1]
Interactions
Important interactions include potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines, NSAIDs and other drugs that affect blood pressure or kidney function. A pharmacist or prescriber should check the full medicine list.
Pregnancy warning
Captopril carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity. When pregnancy is detected, U.S. prescribing information says captopril should be discontinued as soon as possible because medicines acting on the renin-angiotensin system can cause fetal injury or death. [1]
Overdose and accidental extra doses
Overdose can cause marked low blood pressure and other complications. Suspected overdose requires urgent medical advice or poison-centre / emergency guidance.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Captopril was one of the first ACE inhibitors used clinically.
It carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity and should be reviewed urgently if pregnancy occurs.
ACE inhibitors can increase serum potassium, especially with kidney disease, diabetes or potassium-raising medicines.
Yes. A persistent dry cough can occur with ACE inhibitors.
Food can affect absorption; common product instructions advise taking it about one hour before meals.
Sources
Clinical statements in this reference are linked to named public-health, regulatory or guideline sources.
- 1. DailyMed. Captopril tablets prescribing information, updated May 2026. Source ↗
- 2. MedlinePlus. Captopril Drug Information. Source ↗
This medicine reference is based on trusted medical and regulatory sources and is awaiting clinician review. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.