Lotensin

Lotensin

Generic Name: benazepril (ben AY ze pril)

What is the most important information I should know about Lotensin?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Lotensin could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of benazepril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Lotensin. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.

What is Lotensin?

Lotensin is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Lotensin is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Lotensin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lotensin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Lotensin or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

liver disease;

heart disease or congestive heart failure;

diabetes; or

a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Lotensin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Lotensin could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Lotensin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.

How should I take Lotensin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Lotensin can be taken with or without food.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Lotensin. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Lotensin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store Lotensin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Lotensin Information dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Lotensin overdose may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Lotensin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Lotensin. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lotensin, unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of Lotensin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling light-headed, fainting;

urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;

severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;

chest pain;

swelling, rapid weight gain; or

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Lotensin side effects may include:

cough;

dizziness, drowsiness, headache;

nausea, constipation; or

mild skin itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Lotensin side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Lotensin?

Before taking Lotensin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

gold injections to treat arthritis;

lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;

a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;

salt substitutes that contain potassium; or

a diuretic (water pill).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Lotensin or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Lotensin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Lotensin Information resources

Lotensin Information Side Effects (in More Detail)

Lotensin Information Dosage

Lotensin Information Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Lotensin Information Drug Interactions

Lotensin Information Support Group

1 Review for Lotensin - Add your own review/rating

Lotensin Prescribing Information (FDA)

Lotensin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Lotensin Monograph (AHFS DI)

Lotensin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Benazepril Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Lotensin Information with other medications

Diabetic Kidney Disease

Heart Failure

High Blood Pressure

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Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about Lotensin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Benazepril is available with a prescription under the brand name Lotensin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Lotensin 5 mg - round, light-yellow tablet

Lotensin 10 mg - round, dark-yellow tablet

Lotensin 20 mg - round, tan tablet

Lotensin 40 mg - round, dark-rose tablet