benazepril

Generic Name: benazepril (ben AY ze pril)
Brand Name: Lotensin

What is benazepril?

Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Benazepril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about benazepril?

Do not use benazepril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

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Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of benazepril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benazepril?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benazepril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you may not be able to take benazepril if you are also taking a blood pressure medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, or Valturna).

To make sure benazepril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• diabetes; or

• heart disease or congestive heart failure.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.

Benazepril can pass into breast milk. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

How should I take benazepril?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take benazepril with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

'Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking benazepril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using benazepril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store benazepril tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 30 days.

See also: Benazepril dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking benazepril?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of benazepril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Benazepril side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to benazepril if you are African-American.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• little or no urinating;

• swelling or rapid weight gain;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling); or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• cough;

• headache;

• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

• anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• nausea, vomiting, constipation; or

• mild skin itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: benazepril side effects (in more detail)

Benazepril Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day, in patients not receiving a diuretic.
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses.
Some patients appear to have a further response to 80 mg, but experience with this dose is limited.

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day (5 mg if on a diuretic).
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg per day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses.
Dosage may be titrated upward every 3 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day (5 mg if volume depleted or hypotensive).
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg orally per day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
Dosage should be increased, over a 3 day or longer period, to a dose that is maximal and tolerated but not exceeding 40 mg/day.

Usual Adult Dose for Left Ventricular Dysfunction:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day (5 mg if volume depleted or hypotensive).
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg orally per day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
Dosage should be increased, over a 3 day or longer period, to a dose that is maximal and tolerated but not exceeding 40 mg/day.

What other drugs will affect benazepril?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with benazepril, especially:

• any other blood pressure medications;

• gold injections to treat arthritis;

• insulin or oral diabetes medication;

• lithium;

• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;

• a salt substitute that contains potassium; or

• a diuretic or "water pill."

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with benazepril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about benazepril.