Hypertension is not a rare pathology in the modern world. Statistics show that every third person on the planet develops problems with blood pressure as they age. When making a diagnosis, it is important to start treatment on time, since the disease often leads to serious complications.
For conservative therapy, medications are prescribed that normalize blood pressure levels. In this regard, the drug Capoten has proven itself well. This is a pronounced ACE inhibitor with a rapid hypotensive effect.
Capoten is called an ambulance, as it can quickly lower blood pressure if it rises sharply.
Many studies have already been conducted on this drug, which have confirmed its positive results in the treatment of hypertension.
Composition of the drug
The package contains white tablets (sometimes they may have a creamy tint) with a specific odor.
One tablet (25 mg) contains captopril as the main active ingredient. Thanks to it, the effect of the drug begins approximately 15 minutes after taking it and the effect lasts up to 7-8 hours.
Auxiliary ingredients: starch, cellulose, octadecanoic acid, lactose.
How does it affect blood pressure?
With high blood pressure, the blood vessels begin to narrow, causing blood to not circulate normally. Capoten tablets dilate blood vessels to a normal level, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and improved well-being.
Another advantage of the drug is its immediate absorption into the blood. At least 70 percent of the main substance is absorbed and subsequently excreted in the urine.
Capoten usually begins to act a few minutes after administration.
The maximum effect of its action can be felt after 60-80 minutes. It is not recommended to take the tablets after meals, as in this case the effect of the medicine is dulled.
Captopril or Enalapril: which is better, reviews, difference
What is better and more effective – Enalapril or Captopril? What is the difference between these drugs? Can captopril and enalapril be taken together or not? Today we will talk about ACE inhibitors. Their action is aimed at preventing the conversion of angiotensin I and reducing the synthesis of aldosterone, which reduces the risk of developing a vasoconstrictor effect. Captopril appeared on the pharmaceutical market 15 years earlier than Enalapril. Currently, there are many analogues of these ACE inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension and prevent cardiovascular diseases (minimum dosage). The main difference between Captopril and Enalapril is the composition. We are talking about active ingredients of the same name. The basis of Captopril and Enalapril is a derivative of the amino acid proline. The latter remedy differs from the first in a more complex chemical structure. Enalapril is called a “prodrug” because when it enters the body, it is hydrolyzed to Captopril.
The difference between Captopril and Enalapril lies in the frequency of administration. The fact is that the latter is taken once a day. This allows you to reduce the error in the course of drug treatment due to the low probability of omissions. Treatment begins with the lowest dosage, gradually increasing it to the optimal amount. —> Enalapril differs from Captopril in its interaction with other medications. For example, Captopril combines better with diuretics, but before starting treatment with Enalapril, you should abandon diuretics or significantly reduce the dosage. When taken simultaneously with potassium-sparing diuretics, periodic monitoring of potassium concentration in the blood is important.
As you can see, Captopril and Enalapril are not the same thing. However, they have a lot in common in terms of adverse reactions. The most common is a dry cough. Most often it occurs in women. Some clinical studies showed that dry cough during treatment with Enalapril occurs in 7% of patients, which is 2% higher than when using Captopril. If you have diabetes, monitoring the patient's blood glucose levels is important. However, studies have shown that these ACE inhibitors do not affect the body's sensitivity to insulin.
To find out which drug is stronger and more effective, scientists conducted studies with the participation of volunteers who had previously been diagnosed with moderate or mild forms of arterial hypertension.
As the experiment showed, despite the prolonged action, for reliable control of blood pressure, Enalapril should be used twice a day. The effectiveness of the antihypertensive effect of Captopril was lower. Long-term treatment of patients confirmed the fact that Enalapril more successfully controls blood pressure in mild and moderate hypertension.
Other studies have clearly shown that after a single dose of Captopril for 12 hours, a more rapid hypotensive effect was observed. As for hemodynamic improvements in volunteers with impaired functionality of the cardiovascular system, they were almost at the same level.
On the domestic pharmaceutical market you can find about two dozen analogues of Enalapril, among which are the following drugs:
- Evans, Enap, Renitek,
- Vazolapril, Myopril,
- Enam, Berlipril, etc.
With long-term use of Captopril, the patient may become addicted, which reduces the vasodilator effect of the drug. To prevent this effect, it is recommended to replace Captopril with a drug with a similar effect. These include:
- Kapoten, Katopil,
- Normopres, Epsitron,
- Capryl, Capocard,
- Angiopril, Capofarm,
- Blockordil et al.
Victor, 48 years old My family members often have high blood pressure, so we always have antihypertensive drugs in our medicine cabinet. I used Adelphan, Papazol and others tablets. During one of my visits to the hospital, the doctor told me that I needed to be treated, and not lower my blood pressure. I was prescribed a course of medications for hypertension. When strong surges appeared, I took Enalapril. One day I decided to try Captopril. They lowered the pressure, but I didn’t like the effect. It was not well tolerated by the body; there was dry mouth and dizziness. My impression of this drug was extremely negative. Yes, and it should be taken more often during long-term treatment. Therefore, I am more inclined to Enalapril.
Gennady, 55 years old Over the past 10 years, Captopril has helped me when my blood pressure spikes. This medicine is inexpensive and effective. These antihypertensive pills are fast-acting and affordable. When blood pressure rises, I put a tablet under the tongue to speed up the effect of the drug. Captopril dissolves in a couple of minutes. Until it takes effect, you should lie down. However, it is better not to take it if your kidneys and liver are weak. Captopril is effective in hypertensive crisis. Not long ago I was offered to switch to Enalapril. I've heard a lot of positive reviews about him. Since I don’t need to constantly take antihypertensive drugs, I continue to seek the help of Captopril. As far as I know, Enalapril has a milder effect on blood pressure, but in my case it needs to be brought down faster.
Julia, 53 years old When there is a sharp jump in blood pressure, I most often use Captopril or Capoten. If you want the hypotensive effect to last longer, it is better to use Enalapril. The decrease in blood pressure occurs slowly and for a long time. This time is enough to come to your senses and look into the doctor’s office. But you should not take an additional tablet if the desired antihypertensive effect is not achieved. After 3-4 hours the maximum effect is observed. The hypotensive effect lasts for almost a day. If the blood pressure has increased by 20-30 points, then 2.5 mg of the drug is enough for me; if it is higher, then I drink 5 mg.
Who is the medicine prescribed to?
It is recommended to use the drug Capoten if:
- Blood pressure readings are periodically or regularly overestimated;
- In the presence of heart failure. If such a disease occurs in a chronic form, then the drug can only be taken as an adjuvant to improve well-being;
- Previously suffered a myocardial infarction;
- With the development of diabetic nephropathy in combination with diabetes mellitus.
After long-term use of the drug, kidney function should be checked periodically.
Dangers of hypertensive crisis
Severe anxiety, weather changes, the influence of hormones, and dietary errors cause a sharp rise in blood pressure with unpleasant symptoms in people with hypertension. A hypertensive crisis is considered to be an increase in blood pressure by more than 30 units from the individual norm for the patient. During an exacerbation, the kidneys, heart, and brain suffer from hypoxia. Delay in providing assistance to the patient leads to the development of dangerous conditions, such as:
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke;
- dysfunction of the central nervous system;
- kidney dysfunction;
- pulmonary edema;
- coma.
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The effectiveness of drug treatment
To relieve a hypertensive crisis, medications must be used, since inaction ends in complications or death of the patient. To relieve a mild form of exacerbation, tablets are prescribed, rarely intramuscular injections. A severe crisis can only be stopped in a hospital where IVs are used. If the pathology appears for the first time, you must call an ambulance.
Drugs for uncomplicated crises
The first type of pathology is characterized by a rapid course without complications. The attack lasts several hours, and the target organs are not affected. Against the background of a jump in blood pressure, the patient feels dizziness and severe pain in the head, discomfort in the heart area, and trembling. The person is anxious, the skin on the face and neck turns red, the pulse quickens. The patient needs rest, fresh air, bed rest and medications used to normalize blood pressure:
Read also: Acute hypertensive crisis
A rapid decrease in pressure: by more than a quarter in 2 hours, can provoke ischemia and collapse.
The drug relaxes vascular spasm, slows heart rate, and promotes blood flow to the myocardium. Nifedipine lowers blood pressure during a crisis within 15-30 minutes after oral or sublingual administration of 5-10 mg. If there is no effect, you can take another dose after 60 minutes. The disadvantage of Nifedipine is an uncontrolled decrease in blood pressure. The drug is indicated for the treatment of hypertension; it can prevent renal dysfunction caused by the disease.
The medication is rarely used if there is no effect from other drugs. Does not provoke tachycardia and does not harm patients with renal dysfunction or angina pectoris. The initial dose is half a tablet per day under the tongue or orally. If necessary, the dosage is doubled. The pressure decreases within 20-60 minutes. “Clonidine” has a strong sedative and hypnotic effect; people with central nervous system dysfunction or heart blockades should not drink it.
"Capoten" and "Enalapril"
During a crisis, the medicine is placed under the tongue and dissolves. The patient's well-being improves within 40 minutes. "Capoten" acts gently, is safe for older people and does not impair cerebral blood flow. The drug is indicated for daily use in the treatment of hypertension. Analogues of the drug, for example, "Enalapril", are used to normalize blood pressure during sudden changes.
Complicated crises
Increased manifestations of the crisis over several days indicate the second type of exacerbation of hypertension. Nausea, vomiting appear, and vision deteriorates. Patients are hospitalized. To stop this form of crisis, vasodilators, adrenergic blockers, and diuretics must be administered parenterally. Sometimes drugs used to lower blood pressure include the ganglion blocker Pentamin and the antipsychotic Droperidol.
To relieve chills during a crisis, you can apply mustard plasters or heating pads to your feet.
"Hydralazine"
An injection of medication lowers blood pressure during a crisis by relaxing the arteries. To prevent an increase in heart rate, the drug is administered together with a beta blocker and a diuretic. "Hydralazine" is used for arterial hypertension in pregnant women. Side effects include increased pressure inside the skull, so the medicine is prohibited for neurological diseases.
"Nitroglycerine"
To relieve exacerbation of arterial hypertension, the pharmaceutical drug is used in tablet form, and in case of severe exacerbation it is administered intravenously. “Nitroglycerin” during a hypertensive crisis exhibits a hypotensive effect immediately after use, but it quickly stops. To control the decrease in blood pressure, the dosage is increased gradually.
"Enalaprilat"
By reducing blood pressure, the drug does not provoke a deterioration in blood supply to the brain. Injections are indicated to relieve a crisis in patients with insufficient myocardial function. The therapeutic effect increases in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. "Enalaprilat" acts for 15-30 minutes after intravenous administration. Effective as a cardioprotector.
"Fenoldopam"
Selectively acts on brain dopamine receptors. When administered by drip into a vein for 1-5 minutes, the medicine relaxes blood vessels and eliminates the unpleasant manifestations of crises of any type. Side effects are rare. Enhances sodium excretion in urine. Fenoldopam is used to lower blood pressure in patients with severe kidney problems.
"Sodium nitroprusside"
The drug immediately alleviates the patient's condition during severe crises, and its hypotensive effect can be controlled. The medicine is administered using a dispenser, blood pressure is constantly monitored. The medication increases the heart rate and worsens blood flow in areas of hypoxia, so Sodium Nitoroprusside is not used for ischemia. At high doses, the medicine is delayed, causing intoxication.
By blocking vascular and cardiac receptors, the medication helps eliminate crisis manifestations of hypertension 5-10 minutes after an injection into a vein. Labetalol can be used by all patients. Contraindication is insufficiency of left ventricular function. The drug does not provoke tachycardia and increased ICP. The hypotensive effect lasts up to 6 hours.
Calcium antagonists
The drug "Nicardipine" quickly lowers blood pressure and is well tolerated by patients. It should not be used by patients with ischemia and heart failure. Nimodipine acts on cerebral blood flow and eliminates spasms of cerebral vessels. "Verapamil" is used for urgent care and for prevention. All drugs are injected into a vein.
Why is a diuretic prescribed during a crisis?
During an exacerbation of hypertension, stagnation of fluid in the body is possible, which is manifested by swelling. The hypotensive effect of other drugs can be enhanced by using loop diuretics. “Lasix” in a hypertensive crisis has an effect within 5-30 minutes, accelerates the release of sodium and reduces blood volume. The list of effective diuretics includes Bumetanide, Diuver, Trigrim. You can’t inject diuretics when your blood volume (circulating blood volume) is low.
Read also: Hypertension in old age treatment
At what pressure is it taken?
Considering the vasodilating and hypotensive effects of the drug, it can be used for any hypertension.
With the help of Capoten, you can normalize blood pressure in emergency situations when there are no other medications at hand. The medicine is also suitable for use after a hypertensive crisis or other similar complications.
How to take with high blood pressure
It is recommended to use the medicine according to the instructions. It is important to follow the correct dosage depending on your symptoms and general condition.
So, if your blood pressure begins to increase, it is enough to chew one tablet in your mouth with a dose of 25 mg. Within an hour after taking it, it will drop to twenty percent.
If the readings remain elevated, then an hour later you can take another tablet in the same way. In this case, the indicators stabilize to normal levels without taking additional medications and without calling an ambulance.
Reception for high blood pressure and crisis
Capoten can also be used for hypertensive crisis. To do this, you need to put 2 tablets (25 mg each) under your tongue at once and dissolve them completely. The pressure will begin to gradually decrease after ten minutes. It is not advisable to take higher doses without consulting a doctor.
What is better “Captopril” or “Anaprilin” and how they differ
Hypertension is considered to be a aging disease, because every day doctors record more and more cases of hypertensive crises in the young population. Of course, high blood pressure requires complex treatment to restore the functions of the cardiovascular system. But first, the person needs to be provided with emergency assistance.
To quickly lower blood pressure, the well-known drugs Captopril and Anaprilin are most often used. Which remedy is better and under what circumstances?
Instructions for use for hypertension
The required dosage should be calculated by the doctor, taking into account the peculiarities of the course of the disease, the usual blood pressure levels and the body’s reaction to the drug.
Instructions for use for hypertension
It is worth noting that the correct medication should be taken before meals. It is better to take 1 – 1.5 hours, in the quantities prescribed by the doctor.
If hypertension is diagnosed at the initial stage, then it is enough to take the drug orally, one tablet twice a day. If the disease progresses, then it is worth taking two tablets at a time, twice a day.
Download complete instructions for use of the drug
In cases where arterial hypertension is in advanced form, it is necessary to start taking half a tablet twice a day and gradually increase the dosage to two tablets three times a day.
Capoten is a drug for lowering blood pressure and treating arterial hypertension.
About taking medications
Our body begins to send alarm bells, which are expressed in pain symptoms in the heart area. This is how IHD or coronary heart disease develops. If measures are not taken in a timely manner and treatment is not started, foci of necrosis may occur in the myocardial tissue. It is this condition that is commonly called myocardial infarction.
And after relief of the acute condition, the patient needs further long-term and systematic treatment. Most likely, the patient will have to completely reconsider his lifestyle and take certain medications for many years.
Drug treatment after myocardial infarction should be prescribed strictly by a cardiologist; usually the specialist prescribes drugs from several groups.
Statins
Statins fight the main cause of insufficient blood supply - cholesterol plaques. Medicines from this group break down cholesterol in the liver and remove it from the body, and also help maintain blood cholesterol levels at an acceptable level. In addition, statins relieve inflammation in blood vessels.
Statins include the following drugs:
- Simvastatin (active ingredient - simvastatin), dosage 10, 20, 40 mg, cost ranges from 70-170 rubles
- Vasilip (simvastatin), packaging 10, 20, 40 mg, cost range 350-500 rubles
- Simgal (simvastatin), dosage 10, 20, 40 mg, purchase will cost 300-600 rubles
- Simlo (simvastatin), packaging 10, 20, 40 mg, can be bought at the pharmacy for 250-350 rubles
- Cardiostatin (lovastatin), dosage 20, 40 mg, cost within 240-360 rubles
- Lipostat (pravastatin), packaging 10, 20 mg, purchase will cost only 140-200 rubles
- Leskol Forte (2nd generation drug, active ingredient – fluvastatin), dosage 80 mg, cost about 2500 rubles
- Tulip (3rd generation drug, active substance – atorvastatin), packaging 10, 20, 40 mg, price range 220-550 rubles
- Liptonorm (3rd generation, based on atorvastatin), dosage 20 mg, can be bought at a pharmacy for 290-400 rubles
- Torvacard (3rd generation, based on atorvastatin), packaging 10, 40 mg, cost in the range of 310-550 rubles
- Atoris (3rd generation, based on atorvastatin), dosage 10, 20, 30, 40 mg, cost range 310-550 rubles
- Crestor (4th generation drug, active ingredient - rosuvastatin), packaging 5, 10, 20, 40 mg, purchase will cost 1150-1600 rubles
- Rozulip (4th generation, active substance – rosuvastatin), dosage 10, 20 mg, cost range 630-1000 rubles
- Tevastor (4th generation, based on rosuvastatin), packaging 5, 10, 20 mg, cost within 380-700 rubles
- Livazo (4th generation, based on rosuvastatin), dosage 1, 2, 4 mg, cost about 2500 rubles
Before taking statins, blood cholesterol levels are determined. If its content is high, the doctor prescribes a mandatory diet aimed at limiting foods containing high amounts of cholesterol.
Typically, statins are taken once a day at bedtime for a long time, often for life.
DETAILS: Citramon increases or decreases blood pressure
Contraindications to the prescription of statins are individual intolerance, pregnancy and active liver disease.
Side effects are rare. Among them: allergic reactions, dizziness, weakness, peripheral edema, nausea, bowel dysfunction, tachycardia, increased or decreased blood pressure, pain in joints and muscles, sweating.
Nitro drugs
Nitrodrugs relieve pain due to angina pectoris. Nitroglycerin is a first aid remedy for chest pain. Also, nitro drugs dilate blood vessels and stabilize blood pressure.
- Nitroglycerin (active substance nitroglycerin). Dosage forms can be different: tablets for oral administration, sublingual, ointments, patches on the skin or gums. There are many analogue drugs: trinitrolong, sustak, nitro mac retard, nitro pol, nitro ointment and others. The cost of these drugs varies greatly from 15 rubles and more.
- Isoket, cardiquet, isomac (active ingredient isosorbide dinitrate)
- Mono mac, cardix mono, olicard, monocinque, efox (active substance isosorbide mononitrate)
They take nitro drugs to relieve and prevent pain due to angina pectoris.
Side effects: dizziness, drop in blood pressure, headache, increased heart rate, weakness; addiction to drugs in this group often develops, as a result of which their effect decreases, withdrawal syndrome occurs.
Beta blockers
Often, patients with heart failure develop an increased heart rate - tachycardia. Beta blockers normalize pulse and lower blood pressure. This reduces the load on the heart muscle.
Is it possible to drink during pregnancy?
Capoten reduces blood pressure well, but can it be taken during pregnancy? Such tests were simply not carried out. Many doctors indicate that in the event of a sudden hypertensive crisis, when other drugs are not at hand, you can take the minimum dose - half a tablet.
But for course therapy before and after childbirth, it is prohibited. It is not recommended as a medicine in the first months of pregnancy.
Before you decide to take the medicine yourself, you should consult with your doctor and get his approval.
Contraindications
In some cases, the medication is not recommended to be taken orally:
- If there is intolerance to its components;
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Children before reaching adulthood;
- After operations performed on the kidneys;
- With low blood pressure (hypotension);
- If the patient has liver failure;
- With hyperkalemia;
- Elderly people (only if the doctor approves taking the drug);
- For diabetes mellitus.
Anaprilin
White or almost white small tablets, cylindrical in shape. The active ingredient is propranolol hydrochloride 10 mg or 40 mg in one tablet.
The drug belongs to the group of non-selective beta-blockers with membrane-stabilizing properties. The active substance acts on the principle of blocking the pulsation of myocardial receptors, which can significantly reduce the number of heart contractions. With this effect, the heart muscles do not have an increased need for oxygen, which allows normalizing blood pressure and increasing the tone of the bronchial muscles. This increased action leads to accelerated contraction of the uterus in women, and the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract improves.
The drug "Anaprilin" is indicated for:
- Ischemic diseases.
- Hypertensive crises.
- Chronic hypertensive syndrome.
- Heart rhythm disturbances.
- Thyrotoxinosis.
- Tachycardia.
- Unstable or tense angina.
- Essential tremor.
- Migraine attacks.
The drug is often used to treat and prevent anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
Anaprilin tablets are taken before meals with plenty of water. The dosage is prescribed individually, based on the complexity of the disease. Start with 10 mg per day , once. If the drug is well tolerated by the body and does not cause adverse reactions, then the dose is increased to 100 mg per day, with a dosage frequency of 4-6 times. If the drug has a weak effect, then the daily dose can reach 300 mg.
- For sinus or atrioventricular bradycardia.
- Sinoarterial blockade.
- People suffering from Prinzmetal's angina.
- In case of arterial hypotension of unknown origin.
- With metabolic acidosis.
- For any forms of diabetes.
- People with vasomotor rhinitis.
- For Raynaud's disease.
Among the side effects that may occur as a result of taking the drug, you can observe: headache, nausea, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, dizziness, pain and cramping in the stomach, sleep cycle disorders (insomnia or increased drowsiness), cough, shortness of breath, exacerbation of rashes of psoriatic diseases (with their availability).
Side effects
The medication has some side effects, so you need to take the medicine with caution. It is important to maintain the required dosage and not increase it without the consent of the doctor.
Such negative manifestations include:
- Peripheral and pulmonary edema, dizziness;
- Possible manifestation of tachycardia;
- General weakness and lethargy;
- Renal and urinary disorders;
- Possible development of anemia;
- Manifestation of allergies to the components of the drug (there may be swelling, rash, itching, etc.);
- Disruption of the digestive organs (worsening of appetite, abdominal pain, loose stools or, conversely, constipation, etc.)
In case of an overdose of the drug, negative manifestations may occur in the form of: cerebral circulatory disorders, thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, myocardial infarction. In this case, the pressure must be stabilized to normal using NaCl solution (0.9% intravenously). In this case, the patient must take a supine position, the lower limbs must be raised.
Advantage of the drug
Several main advantages of Kapoten can be noted:
- Reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular complications.
- Efficiency and speed. Another advantage of the drug is its relatively mild effect on the body. It does not affect the nervous system.
- This medicine and similar drugs do not interfere with kidney function. Therefore, it is allowed to take it even with kidney pathologies.
- Price is another advantage of the medication. It is not an expensive remedy, so people can buy the medicine even on a limited budget.
Kapoten's analogs
Although the drug has proven itself to be a very good inhibitor, it has contraindications and side effects that are not suitable for everyone suffering from hypertension.
Then you should pay attention to medications with a similar effect. Now in pharmacies there are quite a few drugs with the same hypotensive effect: Alkadil, Katopil, Captopril, Lisinopril, Vazolapril, etc.
Patients usually prefer Captopril as an alternative medicine. It is considered to have an action absolutely similar to Capoten and helps in cases where other medications do not give a visible result.
Reviews from hypertensive patients
“Sometimes it happens that the pressure rises sharply and you have to take medication to return it to normal. For such cases, I always have a package of Kapoten, as it gives really quick results. But mostly I take other medications to keep my blood pressure at a level that is normal for me. Usually the doctor prescribes Noliprel for me.” Alexander, 45 years old, Samara
Oksana, 31 years old, Krasnodar: “I have hereditary hypertension, so treatment was of little use. However, when I was advised to take Capoten for blood pressure, I noticed very good changes. And my health immediately improved, and my blood pressure began to decrease. Now I take this drug literally 2-3 times a year, take courses, and for some time high blood pressure stops bothering me altogether. This is the only treatment I use now. Even if I can’t completely get rid of the problem, I can at least maintain my health and this, I think, is enough.”
Maxim, 38 years old, Voronezh : “My attending physician once prescribed me the medicine “Capoten.” Then she somehow calculated an individual dose for me, and since then I have stuck to this treatment. I am satisfied that after taking the pill, blood pressure quickly drops to almost normal. I didn’t notice any side effects from it, which is also good.”
Kapoten - what kind of medicine is this?
This drug belongs to a large group of drugs that suppress ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). The medicine Kapoten effectively lowers blood pressure, which is why it is often prescribed to people suffering from heart problems. The medication looks like whitish or cream-colored tablets of a non-standard square shape with rounded corners. Before taking Capoten, you also need to understand that these pills have a characteristic, not the most pleasant odor.
Kapoten - composition
Today the drug is available in only one available dosage form - in the form of tablets, which are designed for oral administration. Pills are sold in packs of 28, 40 and 56 pieces. The main active ingredient in Capoten is captopril. There are tablets containing 25 and 50 mg. In addition, Kapoten contains the following components:
- lactose;
- corn starch;
- stearic acid;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
What is Kapoten needed for?
This is an important issue that should be addressed before taking Capoten. The drug is needed to relieve excessive stress on the heart and lower blood pressure. The effect is achieved due to the ability to block the action of ACE. Thanks to this, angiotensin I is not converted into angiotensin II, a substance that has a strong vasoconstrictor effect, which causes blood pressure to rise.
When, after taking the Capoten tablet, your health returns to normal, this means that the blood vessels have dilated to a healthy state, blood circulates as expected, blood pressure has returned to normal, and the load on the heart is reduced. If you take the pills continuously for a month or two, your blood pressure will gradually stabilize and be in an acceptable range.
Kapoten - indications for use
You should definitely read them before taking Capoten. The tablets are recommended for many different reasons. Here are the specific indications for Kapoten:
- arterial hypertension (the drug is successfully used for monotherapy and is well combined with other blood pressure medications);
- diabetic nephropathy in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes;
- impaired functioning of the left ventricle (a condition that develops against the background of a heart attack);
- chronic heart failure;
- mild hypertension (exclusively as an additional therapy);
- severe hypertension (but only when traditional treatment has not produced any results at all);
- congestive heart failure.
Capoten - contraindications
There is also a category of patients who will not have the opportunity to learn how to take Capoten tablets, for the reason that they are simply contraindicated for them. For example, experts strongly do not recommend taking pills for collagenosis. In this condition, they increase the risk of developing problems such as neutropenia or agranulocytosis.
It is recommended to finally find out whether Capoten is possible specifically in your case or not from your attending physician. The main contraindications to the use of this drug include the following:
- Quincke's edema;
- hyperkalemia;
- previous kidney transplantation;
- severe impairment of the kidneys or liver;
- bilateral renal artery stenosis.
Among other things, Kapoten is prohibited during pregnancy. The drug is very undesirable for nursing mothers. It will not bring benefit to those patients who may be allergic to any of the components of the composition. To minimize risks, during therapy with Capoten, doctors advise taking diuretics that retain potassium in the body, or drugs containing potassium.
Capoten - side effects
They occur if the drug is completely unsuitable for the patient or in cases where patients do not adhere to the recommendations and do not follow the instructions. Capoten tablets may have the following side effects:
- tachycardia;
- proteinuria;
- acidosis;
- orthostatic hypertension;
- peripheral edema;
- hyperkalemia;
- hyponatremia (usually found in patients who adhere to a salt-free diet and at the same time take diuretics);
- angioedema;
- diarrhea;
- hepatitis;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- neutropenia (in extremely rare cases);
- papular rash;
- aphthous stomatitis;
- gum hyperplasia;
- erythema;
- photosensitivity;
- paresthesia;
- drowsiness;
- vision problems;
- temperature increase;
- increased dry mouth;
- ataxia;
- anemia;
- tachycardia;
- increased creatinine in the blood;
- disturbances in the sense of taste;
- cholestatic jaundice;
- bronchospasms;
- abdominal pain;
- stomach irritation.
Drug price
The medicine is sold relatively inexpensively. Its cost is affected by the region, dosage and number of tablets in the package. On average, the price of a hood is 150-200 rubles.
It is the price factor that influences the fact that the medicine has been in demand among the population for quite some time.
However, you need to take into account your body’s possible reaction to the drug! Before you start taking it yourself, it is best to consult your doctor first. Author of the article Svetlana Anatolyevna Ivanova, general practitioner