Captopril

             Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Mechanism Of Action
The mechanism of action of Captopril  has not yet been fully elucidated. Its beneficial effects in hypertension and heart failure appear to result primarily from suppression of the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system. However, there is no consistent correlation between renin levels and response to the drug. Renin, an enzyme synthesized by the kidneys, is released into the circulation where it acts on a plasma globulin substrate to produce angiotensin I, a relatively inactive decapeptide. Angiotensin I is then converted by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to angiotensin II, a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor substance. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, thereby contributing to sodium and fluid retention.

Captopril prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by inhibition of ACE, a peptidyldipeptide carboxy hydrolase. This inhibition has been demonstrated in both healthy human subjects and in animals by showing that the elevation of blood pressure caused by exogenously administered angiotensin I was attenuated or abolished by captopril. In animal studies, captopril did not alter the pressor responses to a number of other agents, including angiotensin II and norepinephrine, indicating specificity of action.

Related Article 
-  Amlodipine (Anti-Hypertensive Drug)
-  Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
-  Contraindications of Beta Blockers [ Mnemonic ]




ACE is identical to ''bradykininase'', and Captopril may also interfere with the degradation of the vasodepressor peptide, bradykinin. Increased concentrations of bradykinin or prostaglandin E2 may also have a role in the therapeutic effect of Captopril.

Inhibition of ACE results in decreased plasma angiotensin II and increased plasma renin activity (PRA), the latter resulting from loss of negative feedback on renin release caused by reduction in angiotensin II. The reduction of angiotensin II leads to decreased aldosterone secretion, and, as a result, small increases in serum potassium may occur along with sodium and fluid loss.

The antihypertensive effects persist for a longer period of time than does demonstrable inhibition of circulating ACE. It is not known whether the ACE present in vascular endothelium is inhibited longer than the ACE in circulating blood.

Indication
1. Hypertension
2. Heart Failure
3. Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction
4. Diabetic Nephropathy

Side Effects
1. Cough
2. Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
3. Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
4. Loss of taste sensation
5. Mild skin itching or rash.
6. Stomach pain
7. Difficulty breathing

Contraindications
Captopril tablets are contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this product or any other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., a patient who has experienced angioedema during therapy with any other ACE inhibitor).
1. Narrowing of the Aortic Heart Valve,
2. Renal Artery Stenosis,
3. Abnormally Low Blood Pressure,
4. Kidney Disease,
5. Cough,
6. Giant Hives,
7. Transplant of an Organ,
8. Pregnancy,
9. Brain Blood Flow Problem,
10. Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood,
11. High Amount of Potassium in the Blood,
12. Inherited Disorder of Continuing Episodes of Swelling,
13. Decreased Function of Bone Marrow,
14. Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell.

Reference
1. DRUGS.COM
www.drugs.com/captopril.html
2. RxList, The internet Drug index.
http://www.rxlist.com/capoten-drug/clinical-pharmacology.htm
3. DrugLib.com
http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/captopril/interactions_overdosage_contraindications/
4. WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-964/captopril+oral/details/list-contraindications
5. Image from : www.worldmedicine.co.uk

Related Article 
-  Amlodipine (Anti-Hypertensive Drug)
-  Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
-  Contraindications of Beta Blockers [ Mnemonic ]

1 Comments

  1. I was able to overcome senile dementia via a complete naturopathic process.

    About two years ago, when I was 56, I started feeling foggy and had occasional memory lapses. My wife, Mary, started to notice it, too, but I also have hearing issues so she thought that was the problem. My memory problems worsened very gradually over the years, and we lived with it, compensating as needed. I became less social. After some months thereafter, it got to the point where we couldn’t keep making excuses or ignoring it. I had gone from doing our grocery shopping without a list to going with a list, to having the list but not purchasing what was on it.

    Mary went online to do some research, and it was during this time we had been advantageous enough to come across Dr. Utu Herbal Cure: an African herbalist and witch doctor whose professional works had majored on the eradication of certain viral conditions, especially dementia, ( improving the memory capacity positively), via a traditional, naturopathic process and distinguished diet plan. It was by the administration of this herbal specialist that I had been able to improve my condition for better. So to say, the encounter with the above-mentioned herbal practitioner was the first time we ever heard there was something that possibly can be done to improve my memory functionality.

    By the existence of such an encounter, I was able to learn of the new approach by which this herbalist successfully treated dementia conditions, which included a distinguished herbal therapy and lifestyle changes of which I had undergone to a tremendous, positive effect.
    It was after the completion of the herbal therapy I had started to experience a great deal of cognitive improvement when it came to rational decision making.

    In brief, I was able to go through the dreadful hollows of senile dementia without any further hazardous damage to my health condition, and within a short period. Had it not been for the support of my wife, of whom had encouraged me to undergo the above-mentioned therapy and that of the herbal practitioner of whom now happens to be benefactor - I would have been long exposed to the further perils of this condition and of which had been apt to result to a calamitous end.

    I would also wish for the same positiveness upon patients who may happen to be suffering from this debilitating disease, and would warmly beseech them to find a confidant like this herbal specialist with whose professional services I was able to attain a divine recovery.

    For further information concerning this African traditional cure for Alzheimer's disease; feel free to contact Dr. Utu directly via email: drutuherbalcure@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post