What is Lotensin?

Lotensin also known as Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
• If you are using the suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), high level of potassium in the blood.

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness and increases in potassium level.
• This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough may also occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).
• Although benazepril may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking benazepril. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
• Yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Lotensin?

A: Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Lotensin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke. Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of benazepril. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.