Benazepril - By: Marcia McWhite

Benazepril or as it is known by the brand name Lotensin, is a drug that is normally used in the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic renal failure or kidney failure. More often than not it will be prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with other antihypertensives. Benazepril is defined as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It operates by lowering a chemical that constricts the blood vessels. This then results in the relaxation and imminent dilation of the blood vessels which then reduces elevated blood pressure levels.

Dosing

The oral tablets will contain doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

Benazepril may be integrated with hydrochlorothiazide, and is called Lotensin HCT. If it is combined with amlodipine it will be available as the medication Lotrel.

It will be sold as a tablet that must be taken orally. It is usually taken once or twice daily with or without food. To ensure you do not forget to take a dose of benazepril take it around the same time every day. Take it in the manner in which it was prescribed and insist that your doctor or pharmacist clarifies any information that you do not immediately understand. Do not take more than or less than the dose that is prescribed, this will undeniably affect the viability of treatment.

Your doctor will initially give you a low dose of the drug to help your body familiarize itself with the effects of the drug. Over a period the dose will be increased to meet the treatment requirements.

Though benazepril will control elevated blood pressure levels it will not cure the disease. Do not stop taking benazepril even if you appear to feel much better. Your doctor is the only one who should recommend any changes to dosing.

Side Effects

Benazepril has corresponding side effects. Tell your doctor of any symptoms that are intense and that do not subside after a certain period.

• Drowsiness

• Cough

• Headache

• Dizziness

There are other more serious side effects that may occur. The symptoms listed below are rare but if they do manifest you must get in contact with your doctor immediately.

• Fever, sore throat, chills, and other possible signs of infection

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• Hoarseness

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Lightheadedness

• Fainting (syncope)

• Rash

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Benazepril may cause additional side effects, it is thus advisable that you call your doctor if you have any atypical symptoms while taking the medication.

If you are stricken with a particularly serious side effect you or your doctor may send a formal report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA).

In Case of Accidental Overdose

In case of accidental overdose, alert your local poison control division at toll free number 1-800-222-1222. If the individual collapses or has ceased breathing call 911 to get much needed emergency assistance. Symptoms of overdose may include:

Fainting (syncope)

Dizziness

Contraindications

If Pregnant

It is strongly advised that benazepril is not taken when pregnant. Benazepril may cause serious impairment to the developing foetus and possible death if used in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect that you are pregnant. Additionally if you are trying to conceive do not take benazepril.

Other contraindications include:

An allergic reaction to any ingredient found in benazepril

If you have already had an allergic reaction to another ACE inhibitor

Consult your doctor or health care provider if any of these contraindications apply to you.

About the Author

Please visit this link for more information on the drug, Benazepril: Benazepril and this link for the drug, Benzonatate: Benzonatate

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