Benazepril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
Benazepril is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
The medication is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Benazepril helps to block this enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, the medication causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
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 decreased, on average, by 6 to 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 to 7 mmHg, on average. The higher the dose, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take benazepril include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
- Benazepril can be taken with or without food.
- The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level 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. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
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 taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Benazepril
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with benazepril. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. If they do occur, side effects are often minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Benazepril Side Effects to learn more, including serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much benazepril may have overdose symptoms that could include extremely low
blood pressure.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Benazepril Be Stored?
Benazepril should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your benazepril as scheduled, take your missed 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 tablets are available in several strengths, including:
- Benazepril 5 mg
- Benazepril 10 mg
- Benazepril 20 mg
- Benazepril 40 mg.
Benazepril is available as a generic medicine
(see Generic Benazepril for more information).
