Captopril

Brand:
Acenorm; Capoten; Enzace; Novo-Captopril

AVAILABLE FORMS:
Tablets: 12.5mg; 25mg; 50mg; 100mg

INDICATIONS:

• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Diabetic neuropathy

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Thought to inhibit ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Reduced formation of angiotensin II decreases peipheral arterial resistance, decreasing aldosterone secretion, which reduces sodium and water retension and lowers blood pressure.

ADVERSE REACTION:
CNS: dizziness, fainting, headache, malaise, fatigue
CV: tachycardia, hypotension, angina pectoris
GI: abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dysgeusia, nausea, vomiting
Metabolic: hyperkalemia
Hematologic: leukopenia, anemia, pancytopenia
Respiratory: dyspnea, dry, persistent, nonproductive cough
Skin: urticarial rash, alopecia, pruritus

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
ACE inhibitors, including captopril, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women. Captopril is secreted in breast milk. Therefore it should be avoided by nursing mothers.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Take captopril exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
2. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
3. Instruct patient to take drug 1 hour before meals; food in the GI tract may reduce absorbtion.
4. Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking captopril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
5. Captopril should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F) and away from moisture.
6. Use cautiously in patients with renal impaired.
7. Monitor patient's blood pressure and pulse rate frequently.
8. Assists patients for sign of edema.
9. Instruct patient to report signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever and sore throat.