About captopril
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Heart problems after a heart attack
- Kidney disease related to diabetes
Usual adult dose
Usually 12.5–25 mg two or three times daily; adjusted according to the condition and response.
Usual dose in children
For high blood pressure, usually 0.3 mg/kg per dose two or three times daily; specialist-guided adjustment is needed.
Common side effects
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
- Dry cough
- Raised potassium
- Kidney function changes
Important warnings
- Can cause serious harm to an unborn baby; avoid during pregnancy.
- May cause facial or throat swelling, a medical emergency.
- Kidney function and potassium may need monitoring.
- Seek caution with dehydration or narrowing of kidney arteries.
Pregnancy
Not recommended; can harm the developing baby, particularly later in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; use depends on the infant’s age and health, with monitoring advised.
Interactions
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium.
- NSAID painkillers may worsen kidney function and reduce blood-pressure control.
- Lithium levels may rise.
- Other blood-pressure medicines can increase low-blood-pressure risk.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.