Captopril: A Medication for High Blood Pressure, Heart Conditions, and Kidney Disease

Captopril is a medication commonly used in adults to treat various health conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. By reducing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, captopril helps improve blood flow and allows the heart to pump more efficiently. Here are the conditions for which captopril is commonly prescribed:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Congestive Heart Failure:
   Captopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It helps lower blood pressure and improves heart function.

2. Heart Attack Recovery:
   Captopril is also prescribed to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack, specifically in patients with a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart).

3. Kidney Disease:
   In patients with type 1 diabetes and associated kidney disease (nephropathy) and retinopathy (eye disease), captopril is used to manage and slow down the progression of kidney damage.