Lotensin (Benazepril)

Lotensin

Generic name: Benazepril

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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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)
• gold compounds, often used for arthritis
• hawthorn
• heparin
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• other medicines for high blood pressure
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar.)
• 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.

What side effects may I notice from taking benazepril?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing, or swallowing
• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of your face or tongue
• swelling of your legs or ankles
• uneven or fast heart beat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough
• headache
• nausea
• tiredness

What should I watch for while taking benazepril?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking benazepril. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat.

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take benazepril.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how benazepril affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking benazepril.

Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking benazepril without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.