Brand BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
Pronounced: Lo-TEN-sin
Generic name: Benazepril hydrochloride
Why is BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) prescribed?
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) is used in the treatment of high blood pressure in adults
and children 7 to 17 years old. It is effective when used alone or
in combination with thiazide diuretics. BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) is in a family of
drugs called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. It works
by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting
into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in
your body. BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) also enhances blood flow throughout your blood
vessels.
Most important fact about BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
You must take BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) regularly for it to be effective. Since blood
pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get
the full benefit of BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin); and you must continue taking it even
if you are feeling well. BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) does not cure high blood pressure;
it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)?
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) can be taken with or without food. Do not use salt substitutes
containing potassium.
Take BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) could
cause your blood pressure to increase.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from
light.
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin).
If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or
throat; swelling of arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should
contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
Be especially wary if you're an African American: Your chances of this
type of reaction are higher. Severe allergic reactions are also more
likely if you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future
reactions to stings.
* Side effects may include:
Cough, dizziness, headache
Why should BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
or other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, do not take
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin).
Special warnings about BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
and then monitored for the first few weeks.
If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The
risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus.
If you're on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction
to the drug are increased.
If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting,
contact your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) have been known
to cause intestinal swelling.
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also
taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during
the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your
doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.
If you have congestive heart failure, BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) should be used with
caution.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
without talking to your doctor first.
If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor
immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.
Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could
make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become
too low.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
If BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) with the following:
Diuretics such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL
Lithium (Lithonate)
Potassium supplements such as Slow-K
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Moduretic and Dyazide
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) can cause injury or death to developing and newborn babies,
especially if taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin),
contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to
your unborn child. Minimal amounts of BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) appear in breast milk.
If BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin) is
finished.
Recommended dosage for BENACE (Benazepril, Lotensin)
ADULTS
Overdosage
