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Hypertensive crisis treated with orally administered captopril
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Captopril effectively manages hypertensive crisis by rapidly lowering blood pressure in patients with neurological or cardiac complications. This converting enzyme inhibitor, alone or with a diuretic, offers a safe treatment option outside intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypertensive crisis requires rapid blood pressure reduction to prevent severe complications.
- Converting enzyme inhibitors offer a potential therapeutic approach for managing hypertensive emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of captopril in treating hypertensive crisis.
- To assess the need for intensive care monitoring during captopril treatment for hypertensive crisis.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of 25 mg captopril to 9 untreated hypertensive patients.
- Continued captopril (200-300 mg/day) for 2-5 days, with furosemide added in some cases.
- Blood pressure monitoring at 30 min, 12 h, and 24 h post-administration.
Main Results:
- Captopril significantly reduced blood pressure within 30 min (239/134 to 204/118 mmHg).
- Blood pressure was controlled within 24 h (139/86 mmHg with captopril alone, 153/91 mmHg with captopril and furosemide).
- Treatment was well-tolerated, without causing tachycardia.
Conclusions:
- Captopril is effective in managing hypertensive crisis, even in patients with neurological or cardiac complications.
- Captopril, alone or with a diuretic, allows for treatment outside of intensive care units.
- Blockade of the renin system with captopril provides a safe and effective antihypertensive strategy.