Benazepril

Benazepril has been licensed to treat high blood pressure. The medication causes blood vessels to relax, which can help lower blood pressure. In clinical studies, benazepril reduced systolic blood pressure by 6 to 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4 to 7 mmHg. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

Benazepril HCL

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. The medication 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, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Benazepril is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

How Does It Work?

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.

Effects of Benazepril

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.

By lowering blood pressure, the medication can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).

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