Lotensin

Pronunciation: ben-AZ-e-pril
Generic Name: Benazepril
Brand Name: Lotensin

Do NOT take Lotensin if you are pregnant. Lotensin can cause injury and possibly death to a fetus when used during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor at once if you think that you are pregnant.

Lotensin is used for:

Treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lotensin is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure.

Do NOT use Lotensin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lotensin or to any other ACE inhibitor (eg, lisinopril)


• you have a history of angioedema (eg, swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness)


• you are pregnant


• the patient is a child with severe kidney problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lotensin:

Some medical conditions may interact with Lotensin. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are able to become pregnant


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have or have ever had liver or kidney problems, or kidney transplantation


• if you have an autoimmune disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma), bone marrow suppression, heart problems (eg, heart failure), low white blood cell levels, low blood pressure, low blood volume, low blood sodium levels, high blood potassium levels, or blood vessel problems (eg, in the brain)


• if you have diabetes, especially if you are also taking aliskiren


• if you are dehydrated or are on a low-salt (sodium) diet


• if you are on dialysis or are scheduled to have surgery or to receive anesthesia


• if you are receiving treatments to reduce sensitivity to bee or wasp stings

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lotensin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), aliskiren, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride), potassium supplements, or trimethoprim because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased


• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (eg, valsartan) because the risk of serious kidney problems and high blood potassium levels may be increased


• Insulin or oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because the risk of low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Lotensin


• Certain gold-containing medicines (eg, sodium aurothiomalate) because flushing, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure may occur


• Dextran sulfate, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or mTOR inhibitors (eg, everolimus, sirolimus) because they may increase the risk of Lotensin's side effects, such as low blood pressure or angioedema


• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, aspirin, celecoxib, indomethacin) because they may decrease Lotensin's effectiveness and the risk of kidney problems may be increased


• Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lotensin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lotensin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lotensin:

Use Lotensin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Lotensin by mouth with or without food.


• Taking Lotensin at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.


• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Lotensin. Not drinking enough fluids or excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to lightheadedness or fainting.


• If you cannot swallow tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist about preparing a suspension of Lotensin.


• If you miss a dose of Lotensin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lotensin.

Important safety information:

• Lotensin may cause dizziness or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lotensin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Lotensin may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.


• Lotensin may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. The risk may be higher in black patients. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.


• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.


• Lotensin may cause a dry, unproductive cough. If caused by Lotensin, this symptom usually stops after treatment with Lotensin is stopped.


• Lotensin may not work as well in black patients. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.


• Lotensin may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lotensin. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lotensin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.


• If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.


• Diabetes patients - Lotensin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.


• Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Lotensin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Lotensin should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Lotensin may cause birth defects or fetal or newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Lotensin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lotensin.

Possible side effects of Lotensin:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; dizziness, especially when standing; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; chills; decreased urination; fainting; fever; hoarseness; irregular or slow heartbeat; light-headedness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness; shortness of breath; sore throat; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Lotensin side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe dizziness or light-headedness.

Proper storage of Lotensin:

Store Lotensin below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lotensin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lotensin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Lotensin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lotensin. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Lotensin resources

• Lotensin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Lotensin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Lotensin Drug Interactions
• Lotensin Support Group
• 1 Review for Lotensin - Add your own review/rating

• Lotensin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Lotensin Consumer Overview


• Lotensin Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Lotensin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Benazepril Prescribing Information (FDA)

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