Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific drug: "Capoten" is the trade name for a prescription medication. Its primary action is to block the formation of a substance called angiotensin, which causes blood vessels to narrow. By preventing this, the drug causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed Capoten to manage her high blood pressure.
  • Patients taking Capoten should have their kidney function monitored regularly.
  • A common side effect of Capoten is a persistent dry cough.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on Capoten": to be prescribed and taking the drug Capoten as part of a treatment regimen.
  • He has been on Capoten for his congestive heart failure for several years.

Variants and Related Words

• Generic Name: Captopril (n): The non-proprietary, scientific name for the drug sold under the trade name Capoten.
  • The pharmacist explained that captopril is the generic equivalent of Capoten.

Synonyms

• ACE inhibitor (n): This is the class of drugs to which Capoten (captopril) belongs. ACE stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme.
  • Capoten was one of the first ACE inhibitors developed.

Important Notes

• Proper Noun: "Capoten" is a registered trademark and should be capitalized.
• Medical Context: This word is used almost exclusively in medical and pharmaceutical contexts. It is not a general vocabulary word.

Noun

1. a drug (trade name Capoten) that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidneys resulting in vasodilation; used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure