Information on Lotensin and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Lotensin Consumer Information

LOTENSIN

Generic Name: benazepril (beh NAY zah pril)

Brand Names: Lotensin

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

  • Do not take benazepril if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, benazepril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
  • Benazepril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking benazepril.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benazepril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with benazepril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What is benazepril?

  • Benazepril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
  • Benazepril is used to lower high blood pressure.
  • Benazepril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take benazepril?

  • Benazepril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking benazepril.
  • Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor if you
    • have kidney disease;
    • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
    • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone); or
    • have scleroderma or lupus.
  • You may not be able to take benazepril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Benazepril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that benazepril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, benazepril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take benazepril if you are pregnant.
  • It is not known whether benazepril passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take benazepril?

  • Take benazepril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Benazepril can be taken with or without food.
  • Do not stop taking benazepril suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
  • Store benazepril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical treatment or consult your doctor immediately.
  • Symptoms of a benazepril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking benazepril?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benazepril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking benazepril.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril except under the supervision of your doctor.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with benazepril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

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