GENERIC NAME: benazepril
BRAND NAME: Lotensin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Benazepril is an ACE
(angiotensin
converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body
which is
important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II
causes
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 improves cardiac output in
patients with
heart failure.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature
in a
tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Benazepril can be used alone in
treating high
blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be
further enhanced
by the addition of a diuretic medication. Lotensin HCT is an
example of a
medication which combines the effect of benazepril with a
thiazide type
diuretic (water pill) in treating hypertension. By reducing
resistance in
the arteries, benazepril can be useful in the treatment of
congestive
heart failure.
DOSING: May be taken on an empty or full stomach.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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.
Benazepril can
interact with diuretics (water pills) and other blood pressure
medicines
to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can result
in symptoms
of weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Worsening of
kidney function
has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients
with severe
heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. 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. Indomethacin (Indocin) and
possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the
blood
pressure lowering effect of benazepril.
In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been
reported with
the use of another ACE inhibitor. Low white blood cells
increase the
patient's risk of infections. When taken with lithium,
benazepril can
increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Safe use in
children is not
established. It is not habit forming.
PREGNANCY: ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, can be
harmful
to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is also avoided in nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Benazepril is generally well tolerated
and side
effects are usually mild and transient. A dry, persistent cough
has been
reported with the use of benazepril and other ACE inhibitors.
Coughing
resolves after discontinuing the medication. Other side effects
are rare
and 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 or fainting, fever, numbness or
tingling in the hands or feet, rash, and a sore or swollen throat. In rare instances, liver
dysfunction
and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE
inhibitors.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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.
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- ACE Inhibitors - Defines ACE inhibitors: medications that slow the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss. Source:MedicineNet
- ramipril, Altace - Explains the medication ramipril (Altace) a drug used for the treatment of heart failure, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 45 more benazepril related articles ...
|
| |
|
Back to Medications Index
Specialty RSS
