Generic Name: benazepril
Brand Name: Lotensin HTC
Drug Class: ACEI/Diuretic Combos, ACEIHCTZ Combos
What is benazepril, and what is it used for?
Benazepril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure. Benazepril can be used alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide for treating high blood pressure.
ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the muscles surrounding arteries and constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as benazepril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but also improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and thereby benefits patients with heart failure.
Like other ACE inhibitors, it also is used for treating heart failure or diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), although these are not FDA approved uses for benazepril. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), ramipril (Altace), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik).
The FDA approved benazepril in June 1991.
What are the side effects of benazepril?
Benazepril is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild and transient. Side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Fever
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Rash
- Impotence
- A sore or swollen throat
A dry, persistent cough has been reported with the use of benazepril and other ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the medication.
In rare instances, liver dysfunction and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE inhibitors. Benazepril should not be taken by people with a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, and can lead to serious breathing difficulties. In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been reported with the use of one ACE inhibitor. Low white blood cells increase the patient's risk of infections.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same. See AnswerWhat is the dosage for benazepril?
- The usual starting dose of benazepril is 10 mg daily. If patients are taking a diuretic (water pill) the starting dose is 5 mg daily.
- Doses may be increased to 20-40 mg once daily or divided and administered twice daily.
Which drugs interact with benazepril?
- Combining benazepril with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium.
- Combining benazepril or other ACE inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.
- There have been reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, and many others), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the effects of ACE inhibitors. When taken with lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), benazepril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood.
- Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) may occur when injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate), used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is combined with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
Is benazepril safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.
- A small amount of benazepril is excreted into breast milk. A newborn exclusively breastfed may ingest less than 0.1% of the maternal dose of benazepril.
Summary
Benazepril is a medication prescribed alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide for treating high blood pressure. Off label uses for Benazepril include treatment for heart failure or diabetic neuropathy. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Type 2 Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms, TreatmentsLearn about type 2 diabetes warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Find out why thirst, headaches, and...
-
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Symptoms, TreatmentsWhat causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? What is normal blood pressure? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood...
-
Heart Healthy Diet: 25 Foods You Should EatWhat foods are heart healthy? Learn what foods help protect your cardiovascular system from heart attack, coronary heart disease,...
-
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart AttackHeart disease prevention includes controlling risk factors like diet, exercise, and stress. Heart disease symptoms in women may...
-
Hypertension: What High Blood Pressure Can Do to Your BodyHigh blood pressure puts you at risk for a number of other conditions. Here's what to look out for.
-
Hypertension: Worst Foods for High Blood PressureDiagnosed with high blood pressure or trying to avoid it? Stay away from these foods.
-
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Vs. Type 2What is type 1 diabetes? There are new treatments for juvenile diabetes, and more people with diabetes can be treated than ever...
-
Type 2 Diabetes: Test Your Medical IQWhat causes type 2 diabetes? Can it be prevented? Take this online quiz and challenge your knowledge of this common condition....
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Quiz: Symptoms, Signs & CausesTake this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and...
-
Type 1 Diabetes Quiz: Test Your Medical IQWhat are the causes of type 1 diabetes? Take this quiz and challenge your knowledge of causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments...
-
Diabetes Quiz: Test Your Medical IQTake the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do...
-
Heart Disease Quiz: Test Your Medical IQTake our Heart Disease Quiz to get answers and facts about high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and the causes,...
-
Picture of HypertensionHigh blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140...
-
Picture of Heart DetailThe heart is composed of specialized cardiac muscle, and it is four-chambered, with a right atrium and ventricle, and an...
-
Picture of HeartThe muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. See a picture of the Heart and learn more...
-
Diabetes: 15 Famous Celebrities With DiabetesSee pictures of celebrities that have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes including Mary Tyler Moore, Salma Hayek, and...
-
Food Swaps for Meals and Snacks for Heart Health in PicturesExplore 10 food swaps for heart-wise dining. Learn what food to buy and how to cook in order to make a big difference for your...
Related Disease Conditions
-
What Is Considered Stroke-Level High Blood Pressure?Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are considered stroke-level and require immediate medical attention. Check out the center below for more medical references on hypertension, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
Kidney FailureKidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure include sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post-renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones. Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries called arterioles. As a result, the heart pumps harder through the stiff or narrow arterioles, leading to elevated pressure inside the vessels. Hypertension is known as 'the silent killer' because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke.
-
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.
-
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to a condition in which the heart loses the ability to function properly. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathies are just a few potential causes of congestive heart failure. Symptoms of congestive heart failure may include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, angina, and edema.
-
High Blood Pressure TreatmentHigh blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
-
Diabetes TreatmentThe major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
-
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?High blood pressure or hypertension is when the blood pressure readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic. Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.
-
Febrile SeizuresFebrile seizures, or convulsions caused by fever, can be frightening in small children or infants. However, in general, febrile seizures are harmless. Febrile seizure is not epilepsy. It is estimated that one in every 25 children will have at least one febrile seizure. It is important to know what to do to help your child if he/she has a febrile seizure. Some of the features of a febrile seizure include losing consciousness, shaking, moving limbs on both sides of the body, and lasts 1-2 minutes. Less commonly, a febrile seizure may only affect one side of the body.
-
Diabetic Home Care and MonitoringManaging your diabetes is a full time commitment. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information will enable you to mange your diabetes at home successfully.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- High Blood Pressure: Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- High Blood Pressure and Exercise
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Pain Relievers and High Blood Pressure
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- ACE Inhibitors
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Vasodilators
- Types of High Blood Pressure Medications
- lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis) ACE Inhibitor
- ramipril
- trandolapril (Mavik)
- lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide)
- enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned)
- Types of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Medications
- captopril (Capoten)
- Side Effects of Lotensin (benazepril)
- benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT)
- Congestive Heart Failure Medications
- fosinopril sodium, Monopril
- enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (Vaseretic)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- captopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Capozide)
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Heart Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information