Lotensin (Benazepril)

Common uses

This medicine is an ace inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, diuretics, or medicines used to treat diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of Lotensin is not recommended if you have a history of kidney artery narrowing. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Lotensin.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Lotensin provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store Lotensin at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. 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.

Cautions

Do not take Lotensin if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop using Lotensin without first checking with your doctor.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Lotensin. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking Lotensin. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lotensin. Do not use a salt substitute without checking with your doctor.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: use of Lotensin during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lotensin.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may occur during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; headache; dry cough; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; or fatigue. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, hives, irregular or slow heartbeat, or chest pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; or unusual stomach pain.

An allergic reaction to Lotensin is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

Additional information

Do not share Lotensin with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Lotensin for other health conditions.

Keep Lotensin out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Lotensin. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.