Benazepril Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 23, 2025.

Applies to benazepril: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

You should not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®) within 36 hours of each other.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting). This could be a symptom of a condition called intestinal angioedema.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, or if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you or your child know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Check with your doctor if you have a fever, chills, or sore throat. These may be symptoms of an infection caused by low white blood cells.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: abdominal or stomach pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, shortness of breath, or weakness or heaviness of the legs. Do not use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium without first checking with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach pain, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

This medicine may be less effective in black patients. Black patients also have an increased risk of swelling of the hands, arms, face, mouth, or throat. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Common side effects of benazepril

Some side effects of benazepril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of benazepril

Along with its needed effects, benazepril may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benazepril:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benazepril: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were headache, dizziness, somnolence, and postural dizziness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, somnolence, postural dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Hypertonia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Decreases in hemoglobin (a low value and a decrease of 5 g/dL)
• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pemphigus, dermatitis, pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, alopecia, sweating, angioedema^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Asthma, bronchitis, dyspnea, sinusitis, cough^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Uric acid increased, blood glucose increased, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing, electrocardiographic changes, hypotension^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, pancreatitis, constipation, gastritis, vomiting, melena^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection, frequent urination, impotence, proteinuria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Serum bilirubin increased, liver enzymes increased^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Infection^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, asthenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, decreased libido, insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Benazepril side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer