Description
Captopril belongs to the group of medications known as ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy (kidney problems caused by diabetes). Captopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels and making the heart pump more efficiently. Captopril may be used in addition to other blood pressure medications, such as a diuretic (water pill) like hydrochlorothiazide, when one medication has not been found to satisfactorily control blood pressure or congestive heart failure.
The usual starting dose of captopril depends on the condition for which you are taking this medication. For treating high blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 25 mg taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. After 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose, depending on side effects and how well the medication is working for you. The dose of captopril to control blood pressure does not usually go above 50 mg 3 times daily. The maximum dose of captopril is 450 mg daily given in 3 equally divided doses.
For treating heart failure, the usual starting dose is 25 mg taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. After 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose, depending on side effects and how well the medication is working for you. The dose of captopril to treat heart failure does not usually go above 50 mg to 100 mg given 3 times daily. The maximum dose of captopril is 450 mg daily given in 3 divided doses.
After a heart attack, the usual starting dose is 12.5 mg taken by mouth, 3 times a day. This dose will be increased gradually, to the recommended daily dose of 50 mg taken 3 times a day. When treating kidney disease caused by diabetes, the recommended dose is 25 mg taken by mouth, 3 times daily. If this dose does not adequately lower blood pressure, other medications will be used in addition to captopril. Captopril should be taken 1 hour before meals. Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
