Benazepril
Key points
- BENAZEPRIL (Lotensin®) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor.
- Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Benazepril tablets
What are benazepril tablets? BENAZEPRIL (Lotensin®) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Benazepril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels; it is not a cure. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Generic benazepril tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take benazepril?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function
- previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
- bone marrow disease
- heart or blood vessel disease
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- kidney disease
- if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet
- an unusual or allergic reaction to benazepril, other ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take benazepril tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking benazepril except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you take only one dose a day and forget to take it that day, do not take a double dose the next day.
What drug(s) may interact with benazepril?
- antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- hawthorn
- heparin
- lithium
- medicines for high blood pressure
- potassium salts
- water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
