Drug Name

Lotensin (Benazepril)

Drug Uses

Lotensin can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic medication. Lotensin HCT is an example of a medication which combines the effect of benazepril with a thiazide type diuretic (water pill) in treating hypertension. By reducing resistance in the arteries, lotensin can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

How Taken

May be used on an empty or filled stomach. Drink 6 to 8 filled glasses of water daily while you are using this medication.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Lotensin is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is substantial for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as lotensin lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but as well as improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart as well as improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Incase it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Warnings/Precautions

Lotensin should not be used by people with a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues as well as even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, as well as can lead to humorless breathing difficulties. Lotensin can work with diuretics (water pills) as well as other blood pressure medicines to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can result in symptoms of weakness, dizziness, as well as lightheadedness. Worsening of kidney function has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients with very bad heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. Combining lotensin with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, as well as potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), as well as triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin (Indocin) as well as possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the blood pressure lowering effect of lotensin. In rare instances, abridged pale blood cell counts possess been reported with the take of another ACE inhibitor. Abridged pale blood cells increase the patient's risk of infections. When used with lithium, lotensin can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Protected take in children is not established. It is not habit forming. ACE inhibitors, including lotensin, can be harmful to the fetus as well as should not be used by pregnant women.

Likely Side Effects

Lotensin is generally well tolerated as well as side effects are usually mild as well as transient. A moistureless, persistent cough has been reported with the take of lotensin as well as other ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the medication. Other side effects are rare as well as include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea as well as vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, very bad dizziness or fainting, fever, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, rash, as well as a sore or swollen throat. In rare instances, liver dysfunction as well as skin yellowing (jaundice) possess been reported with ACE inhibitors.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions.

Incase you will be using this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain essential refills before your supply runs out.