Benazepril

Uses of  Benazepril

Benazepril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Precaution and Warnings

Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benazepril; other ACE inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); any other medications; or any ingredients in benazepril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benazepril, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benazepril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren. Some medications should not be taken with benazepril. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with benazepril. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting benazepril with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking benazepril, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. The following nonprescription products may interact with benazepril: aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve); potassium supplements. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking benazepril. Do not start any of these medications while taking benazepril without discussing with your healthcare provider. Tell your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, lupus, or scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs). Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benazepril. You should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension: Initial dose: With a diuretic: 5 mg orally once a day; without a diuretic: 10 mg orally once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension: 6 YEARS OR OLDER: Initial dose: 0.2 mg/kg orally once a day as monotherapy

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Cough
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects:

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Rash
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection