What is Benazepril Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Nov. 9, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Benazepril Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lotensin

Generic Names:

  • Benazepril Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is an ACE inhibitor.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Benazepril Hcl used for?

Benazepril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and other illnesses. Benazepril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Benazepril is a generic medication also offered under the trade name Lotensin by Novartis. In the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, benazepril use is very common.

What form(s) does Benazepril Hcl come in

  • Tablet

What are common Benazepril Hcl doses?

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 40MG

Common Benazepril Hcl prescriptions

  • Benazepril HCl
    10mg tablet

  • Benazepril HCl
    20mg tablet

  • Benazepril HCl
    40mg tablet

  • Benazepril HCl
    5mg tablet

How to take Benazepril Hcl

  • Liquid: Shake the liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The oral liquid should be stored in the refrigerator, for up to 30 days. Do not freeze.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • An oral liquid may be given if your child cannot swallow the tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.

  • An oral liquid may be given if your child cannot swallow the tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The oral liquid should be stored in the refrigerator, for up to 30 days. Do not freeze.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Liquid: Shake the liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Benazepril Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benazepril or another ACE inhibitor, or if you are pregnant, or if you have a history of angioedema.

Benazepril Hcl warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, or heart failure.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Angioedema (severe swelling), including head, neck, and intestinal swellingKidney problemsLow blood pressureLiver problems

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you are lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Benazepril Hcl interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease.

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Do not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan within 36 hours of each other.

  • Some medicines can affect how benazepril works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Aliskiren, everolimus, gold injection, lithium, sirolimus, temsirolimusAnother blood pressure medicine, including a diuretic (water pill) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)Insulin or oral diabetes medicineNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Benazepril Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry cough