What is "captopril"

n. An ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and some types of congestive heart failure.

n. 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 [syn: Capoten]

Captopril ( rINN) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for the treatment of hypertension and some types of congestive heart failure. Captopril was the first ACE inhibitor developed and was considered a breakthrough both because of its novel mechanism of action and also because of the revolutionary development process. Captopril was discovered and developed at E. R. Squibb & Sons Pharmaceuticals based on concepts pioneered by Nobel Laureate John Vane and is now marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the trade name Capoten.