People's Pharmacy

Captopril

Other Brand Names: Capoten

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Capoten was the first of a new class of blood pressure medicines called ACE (for angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. The development of this unique drug almost reads like a medical mystery.

It all started with the venom of a poisonous Brazilian snake, the deadly jararaca, whose bite caused severe hemorrhaging.

An extract from the venom was found to affect the kidney and ultimately blood pressure regulation. This led to the creation of enzyme blockers such as Capoten and Vasotec which are radically altering the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.