What is the difference between clonidine and captopril?

What is the difference between clonidine and captopril?

What is the difference between clonidine and captopril?

Generic name: Clonidine
Brand name: Catapres
Classification: Central Alpha2 adrenergic agonists / central adrenergic inhibitors

Clonidine (Catapres) decreases blood pressure by inhibiting alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain (central nervous system). This results to:
- Blockage of action of epinephrine and norepinephrine
- Vasodilation
- slows heart rate

 
Clonidine (Catapres)

When we become older, our blood vessels usually become narrow because of stiffening (arteriosclerosis) and fat deposition (atherosclerosis.) This impedes blood circulation.

Clonidine  relaxes blood vessels so blood can circulate with less pressure. It relaxes the blood vessels by inhibiting the action of catecholamines (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) which are potent vasoconstrictors released during fight-or-flight response.


Clonidine (Catapres) decreases blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme. This results to:
- Vasodilation
- Sodium and water excretion through urination


Generic name: Captopril
Brand name: Capoten
Classification: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor

Captopril (Capoten)

Captopril inhibits the body from forming angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constiction of blood vessels and release of aldosterone which retains sodium and water.

Captopril works by relaxing blood vessel and preventing sodium and water from being retained inside the body. The wider diameter of the blood vessel allows for a smooth blood circulation. Promotion of water and sodium extretion leads to lower blood volume so less workload for the heart and decrease pressure in the vasculature.

Note:

• Do not stop taking your maintenance anti-hypertensive drug because this may cause your blood pressure to rise further.
• When taking an antihypertensive, watch out for dizziness and drowsiness.
• If you are pregnant, consult your doctor regarding your medication regimen.