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. Capoten comes in a tablet form and is available in a number of strengths.

 

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 Capoten?

Capoten is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
 

Uses for Capoten

Capoten has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These Capoten uses include:
 
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 Capoten 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.
 
(Capoten Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;