What dosage form is captopril administered?

Captopril is primarily administered in an oral dosage form. This is due to its pharmacokinetic properties, which allow for effective absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, captopril can be rapidly absorbed and reaches peak plasma concentrations in about an hour. This route of administration is practical for outpatient use, allowing patients the convenience of taking the medication at home.

Choosing oral administration also aligns with the drug's intended use for managing hypertension and heart failure, as it can be taken on a regular schedule without the need for healthcare personnel to administer it. Oral dosing enables home management of chronic conditions, providing patients with autonomy in their treatment.

Other dosage forms like intravenous, topical, or subcutaneous are not standard for captopril due to various reasons such as the need for skilled administration, potential for irritation to the skin, or variability in absorption with non-oral routes. Thus, oral administration is the most suitable and common method for delivering captopril effectively to the patient.