Captopril can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic (water pill) medication.

Also, bBy reducing resistance in the arteries, captopril can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of the legs).

Additionally, in treating heart failure, captopril usually supplements conventional treatment, including a diuretic and digoxin (Lanoxin®). After a heart attack, captopril has been found to be effective in improving functioning of the damaged heart. It is also used to treat kidney disease associated with diabetes.

Mechanism of action:

Captopril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as captopril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but also improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure.

 

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