About captopril
ACE inhibitor
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- After a heart attack
- Kidney protection in some people with diabetes
Usual adult dose
High blood pressure: usually 25 mg two or three times daily, adjusted as needed. Heart failure doses are individualized.
Usual dose in children
Children: usually 0.3 mg/kg per dose three times daily; specialist-supervised adjustment is needed.
Common side effects
- Dry cough
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
- High blood potassium
- Taste changes or rash
Important warnings
- May cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby; avoid during pregnancy.
- Can cause facial or throat swelling; this is an emergency.
- Kidney function and potassium may need monitoring.
- Risk of low blood pressure is higher with dehydration or diuretics.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy because it can injure or kill the unborn baby, especially later in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; use in newborn or premature infants requires particular caution and professional review.
Interactions
- Potassium supplements or salt substitutes can raise potassium.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may affect kidney function.
- Lithium levels may rise.
- Aliskiren or sacubitril/valsartan can increase serious side-effect risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.