Uses
What is benazepril used for?
Benazepril is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Benazepril may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does benazepril work (mechanism of action)?
Benazepril blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from forming a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. Blocking the formation of angiotensin II helps your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is benazepril supplied (dosage forms)?
Benazepril is available as Lotensin and generic benazepril in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 40 mg oral tablets
How should I store benazepril?
Benazepril should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container. Protect from light and moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of benazepril?
The most common side effects of benazepril are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Cough
There may be other side effects of benazepril that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of benazepril?
While less common, the most serious side effects of benazepril are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Angioedema. Benazepril may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get immediate medical attention right away.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking benazepril. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Benazepril may cause low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is more likely to occur if you have excessive sweating or persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down.Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Benazepril can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking benazepril. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Benazepril may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.
- Fever, chills, or sweats
- Tiredness
- Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
- Mouth or throat sores
Severe Allergic Reactions. Benazepril may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using benazepril and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling - Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use benazepril?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take benazepril.
- Lotensin
- Benazepril
- Any other medicine known as an ACE inhibitor
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific benazepril products they stock.
History of Angioedema. Benazepril may cause a rare reaction called angioedema, where there is swelling under the skin. This medicine should not be used if you have had angioedema.
Drug Interactions. Benazepril should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking benazepril, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about benazepril before using it?
Do not take benazepril unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share benazepril with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep benazepril out of the reach of children.
Your pharmacist can make a liquid form of this medicine. If you take this form, keep it refrigerated, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C), for up to 30 days. Before each use, shake the liquid medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
Benazepril can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how benazepril affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using benazepril?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if benazepril is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Pregnancy. Benazepril can cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking benazepril right away and contact your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. Benazepril passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does benazepril interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between benazepril and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benazepril. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking benazepril.
Does benazepril interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking benazepril.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), which is a medicine for heart failure
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A medicine such as everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress), sirolimus (Rapamune and others), or temsirolimus (Torisel), which is commonly used to treat cancer or after an organ transplant
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for diabetes
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with benazepril. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much benazepril?
If you or someone else has used too much benazepril, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of benazepril?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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