The problem of a persistent increase in blood pressure is familiar to many of our fellow citizens today. Indeed, official statistics provide disappointing figures, according to which the number of hypertensive patients in the country continues to increase every year.
This trend, according to scientists, is associated with the deterioration of food quality and the environmental situation, increased nervous tension in society, and a decrease in the physical activity of office workers. As is known, hypertension is one of the most important etiological factors in the development of severe conditions, including stroke and heart attack.
Currently, pharmacology has a huge number of synthetic drugs designed to lower blood pressure. Doctors often prescribe medications such as Capoten or Captopril to their patients. What is better for crisis and hypertension? How do these two medications differ, and is it possible to independently replace one of them with the other?
About drugs
To understand what the difference is, let's try to look at each product in more detail.
Kapoten
Capoten is an ACE inhibitor, available in the form of white or white-cream tablets. The main substance is captopril, 25 mg. Auxiliary ingredients include cellulose, starch, lactose, and stearic acid.
Peculiarities:
- suppresses the formation of angiotensin 2, relieves its effect of vasoconstriction;
- reduces the load on the heart;
- relieves pressure in the right atrium;
- lowers blood pressure;
- affects the release of aldosterone.
This article will tell you how to take Capoten with high blood pressure.
The effect of the medicine is felt within 15-20 minutes, the maximum effect is felt within an hour and a half after administration. Lowers blood pressure, regardless of the patient's position. Absorbed quickly. It is recommended to drink an hour before meals; food slows down this process by a quarter.
Dosage for:
- Hypertension. Initial - 12.5 mg, twice a day, can be increased over the course of a month. Maximum – 50 mg twice a day. In severe cases of the disease, a dose of 150 mg per 24 hours is allowed.
- Chronic heart failure. Start drinking with 6.25 mg three times a day, with a gradual increase. The highest dose is 150 mg.
- After myocardial infarction. Doctors recommend taking the medicine on the third day after the attack, starting with 6.25 mg per day.
- Diabetic nephropathy. The dose starts with 75-100 mg, in several doses.
- Diabetes mellitus. Patients start with 50 mg twice daily.
Why is diabetes mellitus dangerous with hypertension? Read this article.
Captopril
Captopril also belongs to the series of ACE inhibitors, these are white tablets. The main substance is captopril, but the amount depends on the dosage; there are tablets of 25 mg and 50 mg.
Action:
- reduces the rate of conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2;
- prevents blood vessels from narrowing;
- increases renin activity in blood plasma;
- relieves stress on the heart and blood vessels;
- increases cardiac output;
- does not affect lipid metabolism;
- reduces the degradation of bradycardin;
- increases blood flow;
- reduces platelet aggregation;
The effect of the medicine is felt within 15-20 minutes and is quickly absorbed. It is recommended to drink before meals, food reduces the impact.
Dosage for:
- Hypertension. The initial dose is 25 mg twice a day, which can be gradually increased over 2-4 weeks. In severe cases, 50 mg is prescribed three times a day. The highest dose is 150 mg.
- Chronic heart failure. The drug is prescribed when diuretics do not provide the desired effect, the initial dose starts with 6.25 mg twice a day and can reach 25 mg. The highest dose is 150 mg.
Is Captopril effective for high blood pressure? This article will tell you.
Having compared the drugs, we can conclude that there is no difference in the manifestation and duration of action. The dosages are also similar. There is an opinion that kapoten supposedly has no side effects, but this is not the case. The list of manifestations differs little.
If the patient has problems with the kidneys or liver, the initial dose is selected individually.
Which is better – Captopril or Capoten
In terms of frequency of occurrence, hypertension is considered the most common pathology of the cardiovascular system.
In most cases, the development of the disease is caused by an incorrect lifestyle, heredity and excessive production of biologically inactive angiotensin. Therapy for arterial hypertension is based on taking synthetic drugs that slow down the production of the hormone angiotensin, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. As a rule, to normalize blood pressure, specialists prescribe Captopril or Capoten. These drugs are similar in their effect, but have different prices.
So, patients have a question, which is better – Capoten or Captopril?
Pharmacological properties of medications
Capoten or Captopril belong to the group of ACE inhibitor drugs, which are actively used in the treatment of arterial hypertension, as well as for diseases associated with disorders of the heart muscle. The main active ingredient in both drugs is captopril, which has a hypotensive and cardioprotective effect, which allows you to quickly reduce blood pressure without additional stress on the myocardium.
Captopril and Capoten are produced in the form of tablets with a dosage of 25-50 mg
Regular use of medications helps prevent vascular spasm and ensure the evacuation of excess fluid from the bloodstream. Antihypertensive drugs help increase cardiac output without increasing the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle.
In patients with cardiac dysfunction, after taking medications, exercise tolerance increases, the quality of life significantly improves and its duration increases.
The active substance – captopril – will help achieve the following effects:
- helps to expand the lumen of capillaries and blood vessels;
- reduces blood pressure;
- removes sodium from the body;
- reduces pressure in peripheral vessels;
- increases the amount of blood pumped in all parts of the heart.
Capoten and Captopril normalize blood pressure levels in a short time, since the active substance is quickly absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. The effect of the drug is observed within 30 minutes after administration. To enhance the therapeutic effect, experts recommend dissolving the tablet under the tongue.
Indications for use
Before using medications, you must consult with a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and select a therapeutic course. It is important for the patient to follow the chosen treatment regimen and not interrupt it on their own.
At an appointment with a cardiologist, the dosage, frequency of use and interval between doses of one of the drugs are determined
Indications for the use of medications are basically the same. They are prescribed for the following conditions:
- Hypertonic disease. Medicines are effective at all stages of the disease. They are prescribed both in combination with other groups of antihypertensive drugs, and as independent therapy. For long-term treatment, experts recommend Capoten.
- Impaired functional ability of the left ventricle. As a rule, the pathology develops against the background of a heart attack. After stabilizing the patient’s condition, the optimal drug is selected to restore normal activity of the heart muscle. Both drugs are well suited for this purpose.
- Diabetic nephropathy. A serious complication of diabetes mellitus is damage to the blood vessels of the kidney, which is manifested by an increase in pressure in the bloodstream. To restore the functionality of paired organs and normalize blood pressure, Capoten and Captopril are prescribed.
- Heart failure. With this disease, it is necessary to take both drugs, since due to long-term therapy it is necessary to periodically replace them.
The indications for taking medications are the same; they are used to treat diseases of the same etiology. During the treatment period, it is necessary to abstain from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as from the use of table salt and foods containing large amounts of potassium.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of Capoten and Captopril is practically no different, since the action of both drugs is based on the active substance – captopril.
The drug Captopril contains the active substance in its pure form, but it also contains other components, but they do not have a pronounced effect.
According to the mechanism of action, Capoten is a more complex product; it contains substances that reduce the activity of captopril, but the effect of taking the drug is similar to its analogue.
The drugs have a pronounced vasodilating effect
The main mechanism of action of drugs is to reduce the activity of the hormone that increases blood pressure by converting it from an inactive phase to an active one. In addition, these medications reduce blood flow to the myocardium, thereby reducing functional load, preventing kidney damage due to hypertension.
Reception features
Most patients with hypertension are interested in the question of what is the difference between medications if they have the same effect.
Tablets should be taken with plenty of purified water.
The first thing the patient notes is the cost of the pills. Capoten belongs to an expensive group of drugs, while Captopril is 3-4 times cheaper.
In addition, hypertension is a chronic disease that requires constant use of antihypertensive drugs.
Due to long-term use of one of the drugs, the body may become addicted when there is no therapeutic effect after using them. Therefore, experts recommend periodically replacing one remedy with another.
The rules for taking pills are as follows:
You can also read: Equator - blood pressure pills
- You need to take the tablets 60 minutes before your main meal.
- The tablet must be taken as a whole.
- The dose and duration of the therapeutic course are prescribed by a specialist depending on the stage of the pathological process, the age category of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases.
- The minimum dose of the drug is ¼ of a 25 mg tablet.
- The dosage is increased after 2-3 weeks until the therapeutic effect is fully achieved.
- The daily dose should not exceed 300 mg.
- It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the excretory system.
- At the beginning of treatment, it is necessary to monitor the number of leukocytes in the blood.
Increasing the maximum daily dose of a drug does not increase its effectiveness, but only causes adverse reactions in the body.
Differences between drugs
Despite the similarity of medications, there are some differences between them.
The pharmaceutical market and experts are unanimous in the opinion that Capoten is a more effective drug, but a comparative analysis of these medications has not been carried out. The tablets differ only in the auxiliary components that are included in their composition.
Thus, Capoten contains special additives that reduce the risk of side effects. It is covered with a cellulose shell, which, once it enters the digestive tract, dissolves and is absorbed faster.
Capoten is considered a foreign product, since it is officially registered in the United States, while its analogue Captopril is produced in India and Russia.
Both medications are widely used as emergency treatments during a crisis, but their main goal remains complex therapy of the cardiovascular system.
In what cases is it necessary to stop taking medications?
Capoten is considered a safer drug for the body, however, it also has side effects and contraindications similar to Captopril.
Captopril-based medications are not recommended for use in the following cases:
- Individual sensitivity to certain components of the drugs.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the excretory system.
- Functional disorders of the liver.
- Immunodeficiency and decreased supporting forces of the body.
- Conditions accompanied by a significant decrease in blood pressure.
- The period of bearing a child and breastfeeding.
- Age category under 16 years old.
The drugs have a pronounced hypotensive effect, so their use must be agreed with the attending physician.
If an excessive dose of medication is taken, the patient may develop collapse, shock and coma, which require emergency care.
Thus, the mechanism of action and indications for use are similar for both medications, so it is impossible to say which one is better. The choice of antihypertensive drug rests with the specialist. He will help you choose the optimal medicine, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. Still, long-term therapy for hypertension requires alternating medications.
Reviews
Nadezhda Viktorovna, 57 years old Since I have been suffering from high blood pressure for 10 years, both drugs periodically appear in my home medicine cabinet. Very often, even after minor nervous stress, my blood pressure rises, my head starts to hurt and I feel nauseous. I immediately take one Capoten tablet under my tongue.
The decrease in blood pressure begins within 15-20 minutes (depending on the initial indicators). The last time I had a hypertensive crisis, and I went to the hospital, where I was told that this drug must be taken systematically, and not just for high blood pressure.
Now I take Capoten for 3 months, then change it to Captopril.
Veronica, 45 years old As a rule, I suffer from low blood pressure, but one day at work after another meeting I became very worried, which caused an increase in blood pressure. The employee gave me a Captopril tablet to take, which helped normalize my blood pressure in a short time. So I consider the drug effective and reliable.
Nikolay, 49 years old I am a hypertensive patient with little experience, and my blood pressure often rises to high levels. I always take Capoten as a first aid remedy. As a rule, the starting dose starts with ¼ tablet.
After 20 minutes I measure the pressure. If there is no effect, I take another ¼ dose. Thus, I normalize the pressure gradually, since a critical decrease in blood pressure negatively affects the heart and blood vessels.
Source: https://icvtormet.ru/medicamenty/chto-luchshe-kaptopril-kapoten
Main Differences
Analyzing the composition and abilities of capoten and captopril, doctors conclude that they have the same indications and side effects. Both help reduce blood pressure when there is a sharp jump in readings.
The only slight difference is in the fillers, and opinions on this matter are divided:
- The presence of auxiliary agents does not affect absorption or effectiveness; it depends more on the manufacturing technology and formula.
- Capoten supplements make the drug more effective because they reduce the risk of adverse reactions. The same cellulose accelerates the dissolution and absorption of the drug.
The second difference that determines the interest of hypertensive patients is the difference in price.
- Kapoten. A package of 40 tablets costs 200-270 rubles.
- Captopril. A package of 40 tablets costs from 12 to 60 rubles.
This is explained by commercial rules for the sale of drugs; Capoten is a patented drug. More often, patients buy a cheaper option, believing that if the effect is the same, then it is not worth overpaying.
Both drugs can be addictive, so they need to be replaced periodically to maintain effectiveness.
Compatibility with other drugs
Capoten and Captopril can be prescribed together with other drugs to lower blood pressure. For heart attacks, the use of drugs with Nitroglycerin is allowed, subject to a minimum dosage. Patients with hypertension are prescribed diuretics as part of complex treatment. Diuretics in large doses reduce the volume of circulating blood and can provoke persistent hypotension. Strong alcoholic drinks cause vasoconstriction. Concomitant use of alcohol with cardiovascular drugs causes serious consequences - persistent hypertension, vascular insufficiency, heart attack, risk of sudden death.
Concomitant use with antipsychotics and antidepressants increases the risk of developing orthostatic collapse - insufficient blood flow to the brain due to low blood pressure. Adrenaline, Ephedrine, Norepinephrine reduce the effectiveness of captopril. Psychotropic drugs for the treatment of manic states, when taken simultaneously with antihypertensive drugs, increase the toxic effect on the myocardium.
Contraindications to drugs
If we consider the contraindications, they are almost identical.
In this list:
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding;
- age under 18 years;
- intolerance to the components of the drug;
- previous angioedema;
- impaired kidney or liver function;
- hyperkalemia;
- renal artery stenosis;
- stenosis of the artery of one kidney;
- condition after kidney transplant;
- stenosis of the aortic mouth.
You can find out more about the dangers of Capoten during pregnancy here.
Captopril also has cardiogenic shock, and capoten, taking into account the excipients, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome and lactase deficiency.
Both drugs are used with extreme caution when:
- severe autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- poor bone marrow hematopoiesis;
- diabetes;
- coronary heart disease;
- vomiting, diarrhea;
- on hemodialysis;
- after operation;
- sodium-restricted diet;
- use with diuretics, potassium preparations, immunosuppressants, lithium preparations.
When treating hypertension in the elderly, the dosage of the drug is prescribed individually.
Contraindications
- bilateral renal artery stenosis or renal artery stenosis of a single kidney;
- aortic stenosis;
- decompensated renal and liver failure;
- hyperkalemia;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
ACE inhibitors at an average therapeutic dose are usually well tolerated, and idiosyncrasy rarely occurs. But fairly common side effects are dry cough, especially at night, hyperkalemia, hypotension, hepatotoxicity, and decreased libido.
There are several representatives of drugs on the drug market with this active ingredient, but patients most often face the question: which drug to choose - Captopril or Capoten. Both drugs are available in dosages of 25 and 50 mg.
These medications are often used both during a hypertensive crisis and during long-term therapy in combination with thiazide diuretics, which makes it possible to more effectively reduce blood pressure.
Initial therapy should be started with the lowest possible therapeutically significant dose. In the treatment of arterial hypertension of 1 and 2 degrees, Captopril and Capoten can be used as monotherapy or in combination with thiazide diuretics. The starting dose is usually 12.5 mg twice daily. Maintenance therapy is prescribed at a dose of 50 mg twice daily, with possible subsequent increases every 2-4 weeks until the desired result occurs, but the daily dose should not exceed 150 mg.
Adverse reactions of Capoten and Captopril
Both drugs have a number of side effects that are slightly different given the difference in composition.
Side effects of capoten:
- Heart and blood vessels. Tachycardia or arrhythmia, angina pectoris, severe low blood pressure, flushing or pallor.
- Respiratory system . Dry cough, shortness of breath, occasionally bronchospasms, runny nose.
- Skin reactions . Itching, rashes, hair loss.
- Allergic reactions. Swelling of the face, lips, rarely - erythroderma, dermatitis.
- Nervous system. Dizziness, insomnia, headache, rarely - confusion, depression, cerebrovascular accident.
- Hematopoietic system. Anemia, neutropenia - decrease in neutrophils in the blood, agranulocytosis - decrease in the level of leukocytes, pancytopenia - lack of leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets, lymphadenopathy - enlargement of lymph nodes, eosinophilia - increase in eosinophils, thrombocytopenia - decrease in the number of platelets.
- The immune system. Rarely, autoimmune diseases occur.
- Digestion. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, taste disturbance, dry mouth, rarely - stomatitis.
- Musculoskeletal system. Occasionally, myalgia (muscle pain) or arthralgia (joint pain) occur.
- Urinary system. Increased urea, bilirubin and creatinine in the blood. Rarely – renal dysfunction, frequent urination.
- Reproductive system. Rarely - impotence.
- Other manifestations: chest pain, fatigue, hyperkalemia, low hemoglobin, hyperglycemia.
Side effects of captopril:
- Heart and blood vessels. Severe drop in blood pressure, tachycardia.
- Urinary system. Impaired kidney function, increased blood urea and creatinine, proteinuria - protein in the urine.
- Hematopoietic system. Anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.
- Nervous system. Headache, dizziness, vision problems, drowsiness, ataxia - poor coordination of movements, paresthesia - a feeling of "pins and needles".
- Respiratory system. Cough, bronchospasms, pulmonary edema.
- Allergic reactions. Swelling of the arms, legs, face, lymphadenopathy, rarely, but the manifestation of antinuclear antibodies in the blood occurs.
- Skin reactions. Rash, itching, severe sensitivity.
- Digestion. Impaired taste, dry mouth, nausea, stomatitis, poor appetite, rarely - diarrhea, abdominal pain.
- Other manifestations: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, acidosis - increased acidity.
How do drugs work?
In order to understand which drug is more effective, you need to know their characteristics.
Kapoten
This is a drug that has a hypotensive effect. The release form of the medicine is tablets. The active component is captopril, which helps against high blood pressure, effectively reducing it, thereby reducing the load on the heart muscle. This allows the drug to be used in the treatment of arterial hypertension.
Capoten blocks the work of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which promotes the transition of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The latter has a powerful vasoconstrictor effect, helping to increase blood pressure. If angiotensin II ceases to be formed, then the vessels do not narrow. Because of this, pressure is reduced and the work of the heart is facilitated, which spends less effort to push blood into the vessels.
By regularly taking the medication, a person stabilizes blood pressure. The duration of treatment should be 4-6 weeks. Dilated blood vessels reduce total peripheral resistance, reducing the load on the heart. This makes it easier for patients with heart failure to endure physical activity.
Due to the medicinal properties of Capoten, renal blood flow improves, so the medication is often prescribed for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. This remedy does not lead to the formation of edema, which makes it possible not to combine it with diuretics.
Indications for use:
- arterial hypertension, including of renal origin;
- diabetic nephropathy, which developed against the background of type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- dysfunction of the left ventricle of the heart after a heart attack;
- chronic heart failure.
- low blood pressure;
- narrowing of the mitral valve or aortic ostium, as well as other conditions that impair the flow of blood from the heart;
- condition after kidney transplant;
- age under 18 years;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- hereditary angioedema;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the product;
- hyperkalemia;
- liver failure;
- severe kidney dysfunction;
- progressive narrowing of the arteries of the kidneys.
There are also relative contraindications in which the drug can be taken, but under medical supervision. These include:
- age over 65 years;
- diabetes;
- cerebral ischemia;
- being on hemodialysis;
- a diet that restricts sodium;
- primary hyperaldosteronism;
- conditions in which there is a decrease in circulating blood volume, for example after diarrhea, vomiting, etc.;
- autoimmune diseases of systemic connective tissue;
- inhibition of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow;
- thrombocytopenia;
- leukopenia.
By regularly taking Capoten, a person stabilizes blood pressure. The duration of treatment should be 4-6 weeks.
The drug has a large number of side effects:
- increased fatigue, depression, fainting, confusion, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, convulsions;
- hypotension, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, orthostatic hypotension, pulmonary embolism, cardiogenic shock, chest pain, anemia;
- bronchospasm, cough without sputum discharge, rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonitis, shortness of breath;
- nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, difficulty swallowing, anorexia, taste disturbance, cholestasis, pancreatitis, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, stomach ulcer, glossitis, dry mouth;
- acute renal failure, proteinuria, oliguria, polyuria, increased number of urinations, deterioration of erection;
- redness of the facial skin, baldness, exfoliative dermatitis, itching, rash on the face and body, herpes zoster, erythroderma, toxic epidermal necrolysis;
- Quincke's edema, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylactic shock;
- acidosis, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia;
- joint pain, gynecomastia, sepsis, chills, fever, myalgia.
Captopril
It is an antihypertensive drug that effectively reduces blood pressure. The active ingredient is captopril. The medication is available in tablet form in various dosages. It helps lower blood pressure, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.
The drug leads to increased renal blood flow and blood supply to the heart.
This allows the drug to be used in the complex treatment of diabetic nephropathy and heart failure. Captopril can be used with other blood pressure lowering agents. The medication does not retain fluid in the body.
Indications for use:
- arterial hypertension;
- cardiomyopathy;
- heart failure;
- autoimmune nephropathies;
- diabetic nephropathy arising from type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- dysfunction of the left ventricle after a heart attack.
Contraindications for use:
- hypotension;
- hyperkalemia;
- primary hyperaldosteronism;
- mitral valve stenosis;
- narrowing of the aortic mouth;
- condition after a kidney transplant;
- narrowing of the renal arteries;
- azotemia;
- liver failure;
- severe kidney dysfunction;
- age under 18 years;
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding;
- hereditary angioedema;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Captopril is used in the complex treatment of diabetic nephropathy and heart failure.
The drug is used with caution in the following cases:
- leukopenia;
- being on hemodialysis;
- sodium-restricted diet;
- diabetes;
- cerebral ischemia;
- inhibition of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow;
- thrombocytopenia;
- bilateral renal artery stenosis;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- conditions leading to a decrease in circulating blood volume;
- kidney dysfunction;
- age over 65 years.
- convulsions, ataxia, confusion, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, headaches, fatigue, paresthesia, dizziness;
- hypotension, anemia, lymphadenopathy, peripheral edema, acute cerebrovascular accident, arrhythmia, heart attack, angina pectoris;
- nonproductive cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, interstitial pneumonitis, shortness of breath, bronchospasm;
- nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, taste disturbance, anorexia, pancreatitis, diarrhea, constipation, hepatocellular cirrhosis;
- impotence, proteinuria, oliguria, acute renal failure, polyuria;
- photodermatitis, alopecia, pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythroderma, itching, rash on the body, redness of the facial skin;
- urticaria, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema;
- increased body temperature, hypoglycemia, myalgia, arthralgia, sepsis, acidosis.
Which is more effective?
The main effect is determined by the main component – captopril. Its properties:
- reduces vascular resistance;
- increases myocardial endurance;
- lowers blood pressure;
- increases cardiac output;
- improves well-being.
The indications for the drugs are the same, but captopril contains the main substance in its pure form, and therefore side effects appear less and less frequently. But, on the other hand, capoten’s excipients reduce the risk of undesirable effects in the presence of other diseases and soften the effect.
In addition, the difference is also in the degree of purification of the components. Capoten is produced in America, where this process is of higher quality than that of domestic captopril. Hence the difference in price. Both drugs are effective, but the doctor decides which one is preferable.
Which drug to choose
The difference between the two drugs comes down to the set of excipients in their composition and the appearance of the tablets. In addition, the difference between Captopril and Capoten is that the former can be purchased in dosages of both 25 mg of the active substance and 50 mg, while a wide choice of manufacturers remains. This drug is produced by Russian and foreign companies, so you can choose the best option in terms of cost.
Otherwise, there are no significant differences between the drugs: they have identical pharmacodynamics and similar kinetics, since they are based on the same substance. Both drugs fulfill the intended therapeutic task and are characterized by the same set of contraindications and side effects. As a result, a free choice is allowed between Captopril and Capoten, which are interchangeable drugs.
Drug analogues
Capoten and captopril have many analogues that are similar in action; when changing medications, to avoid addiction, doctors also recommend medications such as:
- Reelcapton. The main substance is captopril – 25 mg. Prescribed for hypertension, acute heart failure, dysfunction of the left ventricle after a heart attack, diabetic nephropathy. Store at temperatures up to 25 degrees. Price – 150 rubles.
- Alkadil. From a series of ACE inhibitors. The main substance is captopril, 25 mg. Prescribed for hypertension and acute heart failure. It should be stored for no more than 5 years, at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees. Price – about 200 rubles.
- Kaptopres. 1 tablet contains 50 mg of captopril and, depending on the dosage, 25 or 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Excipients include magnesium stearate, starch, aerosil, milk sugar, povidone. Copes with hypertension, hypertension associated with bronchial asthma, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy. It should be stored for no more than 3 years at temperatures up to 30 degrees. Price – from 90 to 200 rubles.
Indications for use of drugs
"Capoten" or "Captopril" are prescribed when chronic or episodic arterial hypertension is detected, which can be primary, secondary or renovascular. In this situation, both drugs help dilate blood vessels and reduce the production of an enzyme that negatively affects well-being. For the same reason, they are indicated for those patients who suffer from chronic cardiac failure.
ACE inhibitors bring no less benefit to patients who have had a myocardial infarction and are in a stable condition. In all of the above cases, “Capoten” and “Captopril” are prescribed as part of a combined course. The treatment is determined by the doctor, as is the possibility of repeating it.
Reviews from doctors
O. Cherepkova, cardiologist . Captopril is often used to provide emergency assistance during a hypertensive crisis, but it happens that the medicine does not give the desired effect. Capoten is also a good drug, but it does not work on all patients. I always choose individually.
V. Zemtsova, therapist . Many patients do not see the difference between capoten and captopril, especially since the main substance is the same. I believe that there is a difference, since kapoten is a higher quality option, with a softer effect.
N. Vasilyeva, therapist . Many patients complain that there is no effect from capoten or captopril, but I see that the pressure decreases. It is important to remember that these medications are used if you urgently need to lower your blood pressure. To maintain it normally, other means are needed.
Capoten or Captopril: purposes and contraindications
What is the difference in the action of the drugs and how Capoten differs from Captopril when prescribed depends on several factors. In essence, this is the same tool, there are no fundamental differences.
If a person has mild or moderate hypertension, systemic Captopril is prescribed. If chronic heart failure develops due to hypertension, it is better to take Capoten. Its improved chemical formula does not cause significant side effects; the tablets are well tolerated by patients of all ages. General indications:
- hypertonic disease;
- emergency care for hypertensive crisis;
- chronic heart failure - as part of complex treatment together with diuretics (diuretics), digitalis preparations (digitalis), β-blockers;
- the first day after acute myocardial infarction, provided the general condition is stable (treatment lasts no more than 4 weeks);
- long-term prevention of heart failure at the initial stage of left ventricular dysfunction, when there are no clinical symptoms;
- diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage in diabetes mellitus with impaired glomerular filtration).
Captopril-based products are prescribed from the age of 18. Absolute contraindications include pregnancy and lactation, high sensitivity to individual components, a history of dangerous forms of allergies. Medicines should not be prescribed for severe functional disorders of the kidneys, liver, aortic stenosis, or kidney transplantation.
Reviews from patients
Valeria, 39 years old, hypertensive . I tried both capoten and captopril. Capoten helps me more, it lowers my blood pressure faster, there are no side effects.
Nina, 52 years old, hypertensive . I have been struggling with blood pressure for a long time, the doctor advised me to try both Capoten and Captopril, which would work better. Kapoten helps me better; even half a tablet is enough to lower my blood pressure. Doesn't dry out, doesn't give you headaches. A more delicate drug.
Natalya, 62 years old . My husband has high blood pressure and was constantly using the hood. But very expensive. We consulted with the doctor, he allowed us to try captopril. When the pressure once again jumped to 160, my husband took a pill and fell asleep half an hour later. In the morning I woke up in normal condition. So we switched to captopril and are quite happy.
To summarize, it is worth noting that both drugs - capoten and captopril - are very effective. Similar in composition, with largely identical indications and contraindications. After consulting with your doctor, you can try both in turn and decide which one is more suitable for the body: in its pure form or with additives.
What kind of drugs are these?
Capoten, like Captopril, is used to treat hypertension. The active ingredient of both drugs is captopril. It has hypotensive, cardioprotective, vasodilating effects and is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Both products are available with a dosage of the active substance of 25 and 50 mg, which allows the doctor to choose the best option for each patient.
How do the drugs work?
The drugs belong to the group of ACE inhibitors. They inhibit the formation of angiotensin II and prevent its vasoconstrictor effect on arterial vessels. In addition, due to the effect of captopril on the body, the total peripheral resistance is reduced, the retention of sodium and water in the body is prevented, the pressure in the pulmonary circulation decreases, and cardiac output increases without increasing heart contractions. Such beneficial effects on the body increase tolerance to physical activity, improve well-being and increase life expectancy.
Drugs containing captopril are almost instantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Their antihypertensive effect appears within 30-60 minutes after administration. This makes it possible to use them to quickly lower blood pressure. To speed up the manifestation of the effect, medications containing captopril can be taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Advantages of using drugs based on captopril:
- Reduces the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases.
- Quickly reduce high blood pressure.
- They do not affect male potency.
- Safe enough for use by older people.
- Affordable price.
Comparison of ease of use of Captopril and Capoten
This includes dose selection taking into account various conditions and frequency of doses. At the same time, it is important not to forget about the release form of the drug; it is also important to take it into account when making an assessment.
The ease of use of Captopril is approximately the same as Capoten. However, they are not convenient enough to use.
The drug ratings were compiled by experienced pharmacists who studied international research. The report is generated automatically.
Last update date: 2019-09-19 06:00:24