Key takeaways:
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It’s used for several heart conditions, including high blood pressure and heart failure. It’s also used for kidney problems related to diabetes and after a heart attack.
The typical captopril dosage depends on why you’re taking it. But for many people, the starting dosage is usually 25 mg by mouth 3 times daily. The maximum recommended captopril dosage is 150 mg by mouth 3 times daily.
If you have kidney problems, you may need a lower captopril dosage. You may be instructed to take a lower dose or to take a dose less often (e.g., once or twice a day).
There are ways to save on captopril, which is available as a lower-cost generic medication. With GoodRx discounts, you could save over 60% off the average retail price.
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Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor. You may be taking it to lower your blood pressure or manage heart failure symptoms. It’s also useful for kidney problems due to diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) or after a heart attack.
Captopril is available as an oral tablet. It works best if you take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. How much captopril you take — and how often — depends on your health history and why you’re taking it. Here, we explore typical captopril dosages and what you should do if you miss your dose.
What’s the typical captopril dosage?
Captopril is approved to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. You may also be prescribed captopril after having a heart attack. Typical dosages are described by condition below.
High blood pressure
For adults with high blood pressure, the initial captopril dosage is 25 mg by mouth 2 or 3 times daily. From there, your healthcare team may increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks until you reach your blood pressure goal.
The maximum captopril dosage for high blood pressure is 150 mg by mouth 3 times daily.
Heart failure
The starting captopril dosage for most people with heart failure is 25 mg by mouth 3 times daily. Some people may start with a lower dose, such as 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg, 3 times daily. From there, your prescriber will gradually increase your dosage to 50 mg by mouth 3 times daily.
Depending on how you respond to the medication, your dosage may be increased further. Dosages of more than 150 mg 3 times per day for heart failure aren’t recommended.
After a heart attack
The typical starting dosage of captopril after a heart attack is one 6.25 mg dose, followed by 12.5 mg taken 3 times daily. Over the next few weeks, the dosage is increased to a target dose of 50 mg 3 times daily, as tolerated.
Diabetic nephropathy
For adults, the recommended captopril dosage for diabetic nephropathy is 25 mg by mouth 3 times daily.
Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?
Your body gets rid of captopril through your kidneys. So if you have kidney problems, you may not be able to clear captopril as efficiently. This can cause captopril to build up in your body, increasing your risk of side effects such as low blood pressure (hypotension).
If you have mild kidney problems, you may not need a lower captopril dosage. But if you have moderate or severe kidney problems, you may be prescribed a lower dose. In some cases, your prescriber may have you take it less often, such as once or twice a day. They’ll determine the best captopril dosage for your specific situation.
What happens if you miss a dose of captopril?
It’s best to take captopril every day, as directed. This helps to keep your blood pressure consistent and medication levels in your body steady. But if you realize that you’ve missed a dose, don’t fret.
If it's close to the time when you were supposed to take captopril, take the missed dose as soon as possible. But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Don’t take two doses at the same time to make up for the one you missed. But you should follow your healthcare team’s instructions if they’re different, or if you’re unsure what to do next.
To stay on track, it’s a good idea to schedule your captopril doses at the same times each day. If you take captopril 3 times a day, for example, you could take it 1 hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some people also find it helpful to use a medication reminder app or set an alarm on their phone.
What should you do if you take too much captopril?
Taking too much captopril can cause hypotension. Symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, and fainting. Severe hypotension is a medical emergency. If this happens, you may have a weak pulse, cold and clammy skin, and rapid breathing.
If you or a loved one has taken too much captopril, contact your prescriber immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Have someone call 911 or take you to the nearest ER if your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening.
To prevent accidental overdoses, always check the label of your medication before taking it and keep captopril out of reach of children.
How to save on captopril
There are ways to save on captopril, which is available as a lower-cost generic medication. With GoodRx discounts, you could save over 60% off the average retail price. At certain pharmacies, you could pay as little as $29.93.
The bottom line
Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor. For most people, the typical captopril dosage starts at 25 mg by mouth three times per day. From there, it can be increased to a maximum of 150 mg 3 times daily, if you’re taking it for high blood pressure or heart failure.
Taking too much captopril can cause your blood pressure to drop too low (hypotension). Hypotension can make you feel dizzy or confused, or cause you to pass out. Severe hypotension is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical care.
Talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions about your captopril dosage.
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References
Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Captopril- captopril tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Up and away campaign.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Low blood pressure.
Varghese, R. T., et al. (2023). Diabetic nephropathy. StatPearls.
