Benazepril

The prescription drug benazepril has been licensed to treat high blood pressure. Like other ACE inhibitors, benazepril causes blood vessels to relax, which can help lower blood pressure. In previous clinical studies, benazepril reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 6 to 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 4 to 7 mmHg. The most common side effects of benazepril include headache, dizziness, and fatigue. You should not adjust your dose of benazepril unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.

 

What Is Benazepril?

Benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed for controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children six years of age and older. Benazepril does not cure high blood pressure.
 
Benazepril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 
(Click Benazepril Uses for more information on benazepril uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Benazepril?

Benazepril is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

Benazepril: How Does It Work?

Benazepril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Benazepril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, benazepril causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 

Benazepril Effects

A
 blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking benazepril, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased (on average) by 6 to 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 4 to 7 mmHg (on average). The higher the dose of benazepril, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be.
 
By lowering blood pressure, benazepril can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

Benazepril: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take benazepril include:
 
  • Benazepril comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
     
  • Benazepril can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the benazepril tablets.
     
  • Benazepril should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about taking a different form of benazepril.
     
  • For benazepril to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Benazepril will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Benazepril Dosing

The dose of benazepril your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Benazepril Dosing for more information about dosing guidelines for benazepril.)
 

Side Effects of Benazepril

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with benazepril. However, not everyone who takes benazepril will experience side effects. When they do occur, benazepril side effects are often minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common benazepril side effects include:
 
(Click Benazepril Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of benazepril, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Benazepril

Benazepril can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Benazepril for more information about benazepril and these other medicines.)
 

Benazepril: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking benazepril, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Lotensin and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Are on dialysis
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Warnings and Precautions With Benazepril for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take benazepril.)
 

Benazepril: Overdose

People who take too much benazepril may have overdose symptoms that could include extremely low blood pressure.
 
If you happen to overdose on benazepril, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Lotensin Overdose for more information.)
 

Benazepril: Storage Methods

Benazepril should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Benazepril tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep benazepril and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Benazepril: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your benazepril as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Benazepril: Strengths

Benazepril tablets are available in several strengths, including:
 
  • Benazepril 5 mg
  • Benazepril 10 mg
  • Benazepril 20 mg
  • Benazepril 40 mg.
     

Generic Benazepril

Benazepril is available as a generic medicine.
 
(Click Generic Benazepril for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;