Captopril
CapotenPubChem CID 44093 · 3D model
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Blocks the enzyme that converts a mild hormone into a powerful blood-vessel-tightening one, so vessels relax and blood pressure drops.
How it works
Captopril blocks an enzyme called ACE that the body normally uses to make a hormone that tightens blood vessels and signals the kidneys to hold onto salt and water. By blocking that enzyme, captopril lets blood vessels relax and reduces fluid retention, which lowers blood pressure. Blocking ACE may also let a natural vessel-relaxing substance build up, adding to the effect but sometimes causing a dry cough. Scientists don't fully understand every detail of how captopril works, but its overall effect is less strain on the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.
What it’s used for
Used to treat high blood pressure, either alone or together with other blood pressure medicines, especially diuretics. Also used for heart failure, usually alongside other heart failure medicines, and to improve survival and reduce hospitalizations in people with reduced heart-pumping ability after a heart attack. It's also used to help protect the kidneys in people with type 1 diabetes who have both diabetic kidney disease and related eye damage (retinopathy).
- Mechanism
- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Cardiovascular