Infant Data
Results
INDICATIONS
- Heart failure: Afterload reduction in patients with congestive heart failure.
- Hypertension: Treatment of moderate to severe hypertension.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The use of captopril is contraindicated in patients with bilateral renovascular disease or with unilateral renal artery stenosis in a solitary kidney, as the loss of adequate renal perfusion could precipitate acute renal failure.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Neonates are more sensitive to the effects of captopril than are older infants and children. Significant decreases in cerebral and renal blood flow have occurred in premature infants with chronic hypertension who received higher doses (0.15 to 0.30 mg/kg per dose) than those recommended above. These episodes occurred unpredictably during chronic therapy, and some were associated with neurologic (seizures, apnea, lethargy) and renal (oliguria) complications. Hyperkalemia occurs primarily in patients receiving potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements . The CrCl significantly decreased in preterm and term neonates with cardiovascular disease after initiation of ACEIs (captopril or enalapril) in a retrospective review (n=206). The body surface area was less than 0.33 m2 for all neonates.
ADMINISTRATION
Administer 1 hour before feeding; food decreases absorption.
MONITORING
- Frequent assessment of blood pressure, particularly after the first dose.
- Periodic assessment of renal function.
- Periodic measurement of serum potassium.