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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Captopril is a commonly used angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for treating hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, studies have shown that captopril can cause various side effects. , 3 , 12 , 4 , 14 , 2 , 1 For example, found that captopril can cause cough, taste disturbances, rash, and neutropenia. 22 suggested that captopril might worsen cardiac hypertrophy, while 17 indicated that captopril can affect the kidneys. 10 investigated a new drug delivery system to enhance the effectiveness of captopril in the kidneys. 11 explored the possibility of captopril as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), but it also raised concerns about its potential to increase the risk of infection by promoting the expression of the viral receptor. 18 discovered that polymorphisms in the ACE2 gene could influence the risk of hypertension in women and the effectiveness of captopril in lowering blood pressure. This suggests that individual responses to captopril might vary.

5 investigated the use of mucosal administration of captopril as an alternative for patients who struggle with oral medication. However, the long-term safety of this approach requires further study.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of captopril are generally attributed to its ACE inhibitory action. ACE is an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which plays a role in vasoconstriction and can contribute to hypertension. Captopril inhibits ACE, reducing the production of angiotensin II and lowering blood pressure. However, ACE also acts as a bradykinin-degrading enzyme, and the inhibition of ACE by captopril can lead to the accumulation of bradykinin, causing airway hypersensitivity and resulting in side effects like cough. 1

Common Side Effects

Cough

Approximately 10% of patients taking captopril experience cough or other respiratory symptoms. 1 Cough is the most common side effect associated with captopril. This side effect is thought to be linked to the accumulation of bradykinin, which can cause airway hypersensitivity due to ACE inhibition by captopril. 1 The cough often appears a few weeks to months after starting captopril, and in serious cases, it can lead to shortness of breath.

Taste Disturbances

Around 10% of patients taking captopril experience taste disturbances. This is likely due to captopril stimulating taste buds on the tongue. 2 Taste disturbances frequently appear immediately after starting captopril and can manifest as difficulty tasting food or a metallic taste.

Rash

Approximately 5% of patients taking captopril experience a rash. This is thought to be triggered by an allergic reaction to captopril. 2 A rash can appear a few weeks to months after starting captopril, and in severe cases, it can progress to hives or anaphylactic shock.

Neutropenia

About 1% of patients taking captopril experience neutropenia. This is thought to be caused by captopril suppressing bone marrow. 2 Neutropenia can occur a few weeks to months after starting captopril, and if it becomes severe, it can increase susceptibility to infections.

Kidney Damage

Captopril can have an impact on the kidneys. 17 Kidney damage can appear a few weeks to months after starting captopril and, in severe cases, can lead to kidney failure.

Cardiac Hypertrophy

Captopril may worsen cardiac hypertrophy. 22 This is believed to be due to captopril's ability to weaken the heart's contractile force.

Hypotension

Captopril can cause hypotension. 19 This can occur because captopril has a strong blood pressure-lowering effect. Hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Others

Captopril can cause various other side effects besides the ones mentioned above. 15 If you suspect a side effect, consult your doctor.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Cough

If you experience cough due to captopril, consult your doctor. If the cough is mild, it may improve by reducing the dosage. If the cough doesn't improve, you may need to switch to a different medication.

Taste Disturbances

Taste disturbances caused by captopril usually improve with continued use of the medication. If you experience significant taste disturbances, consult your doctor.

Rash

If you are concerned about a rash due to captopril, consult your doctor. If the rash is mild, it may improve with continued use of the medication. If the rash doesn't improve, you may need to switch to a different medication.

Neutropenia

If you suspect neutropenia due to captopril, consult your doctor. Neutropenia can increase susceptibility to infections, so it is important to take precautions.

Kidney Damage

If you suspect kidney damage due to captopril, consult your doctor. Kidney damage can lead to kidney failure in severe cases, so it is crucial to seek medical attention.

Cardiac Hypertrophy

Captopril may worsen cardiac hypertrophy. 22 If you are concerned about cardiac hypertrophy, consult your doctor.

Hypotension

Captopril can cause hypotension. 19 If you are concerned about hypotension, consult your doctor. Hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities Across Studies

Many studies have reported that captopril can cause side effects such as cough, taste disturbances, and rash. , 3 , 12 , 4 , 14 , 2 , 1 Furthermore, studies have indicated that captopril could affect the kidneys. 17

Differences Across Studies

The frequency and severity of captopril's side effects vary across studies. Studies also suggest that the side effects of captopril may differ among individuals. 18

Considerations for Real-Life Application

While captopril is an effective drug for treating hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, it can cause various side effects. It is important to consult your doctor about potential side effects before taking captopril and to follow their instructions carefully. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking captopril, consult your doctor immediately.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of captopril is still insufficient. In particular, the long-term side effects of captopril are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed.

Future Research Directions

Further research is necessary to explore methods for reducing the side effects of captopril and develop alternative treatments. Since the side effects of captopril can vary among individuals, developing personalized treatment approaches is also crucial.

Conclusion

Captopril is an effective drug for treating hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, but it can cause various side effects. It is important to consult your doctor about potential side effects before taking captopril and to follow their instructions carefully. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking captopril, consult your doctor immediately.


Literature analysis of 26 papers
Positive Content
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Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
2
Article Type
3
1
1
2
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