Lotensin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Lotensin exactly as prescribed.

Benazepril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take benazepril, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benazepril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of benazepril and gradually increase your dose.

Benazepril (ben ay' ze pril) Do not take benazepril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking benazepril, call your doctor immediately. Benazepril may harm the fetus.

Benazepril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take benazepril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking benazepril without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benazepril; other ACE inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); any other medications; or any ingredients in benazepril tablets.

Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benazepril if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril.

Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benazepril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Lithobid), and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Tell your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, lupus, or scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs).

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benazepril. you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Common side effects of Lotensin include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Cough

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Feeling light-headed or passing out
• Producing little or no urine
• High potassium – weakness, nausea, slow heart rate, loss of movement
• Liver problems – jaundice, dark urine, upper abdominal pain, itching, fatigue, nausea, light-colored stools

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Lotensin?

A. Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure, and may increase the side effects of Lotensin like dizziness and tiredness. Use alcohol carefully and inform your doctor about any adverse effects.

Q. What to do when you miss the dose?

A. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.  

Q. How to store this medication?

A. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).  

Q. What to do in case of overdose?

A. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center or doctor. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services. Symptoms of overdose may include the following: dizziness fainting. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services