Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. It was developed in the 1970s through structure-based drug design inspired by snake venom peptides. Captopril was the first orally active ACE inhibitor introduced into clinical practice. Its development marked a major breakthrough in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. The drug works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood pressure. It was approved for medical use in the early 1980s. Captopril significantly improved outcomes in patients with heart disease. Its success led to the development of newer ACE inhibitors. It was later included in major pharmacopeias worldwide. Today, captopril remains an important reference drug in cardiovascular treatment.
