Capoten

Capoten is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. It can also help improve survival and decrease the chances of developing congestive heart failure following a heart attack. By blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, the drug causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. The medicine comes in tablet form and is available in a number of strengths.

Capoten Medication

What Is Capoten?

Capoten^®(captopril) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.

Who Makes It?

Capoten is manufactured by Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.

Uses for Capoten

Capoten has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Relieving symptoms of congestive heart failure
Improving survival and decreasing the chances of developing congestive heart failure following a heart attack
Treating diabetic nephropathy.

Capoten is not a cure for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or diabetes; nor has it been approved for use in children.

(Click What Is Capoten Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does It Work?

Capoten helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict).

By blocking this enzyme, Capoten causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.

By helping blood vessels relax, Capoten also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.

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