Benazepril (generic for Lotensin®): uses, dosing, and savings

What Benazepril Is and How It Works

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for high blood pressure. It helps relax blood vessels by reducing angiotensin II production. This lowers vascular resistance and can protect the heart and kidneys over time. Benazepril tablets are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths, including popular options like Benazepril 20 mg. You take it by mouth once daily or in two divided doses.

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Doctors prescribe benazepril to treat essential hypertension in adults and in children 6 years and older. It may be used alone or with other antihypertensives, such as thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers. Your healthcare provider chooses the dose based on your blood pressure, other medicines, and kidney function.

Benazepril is a prodrug. The liver converts it to benazeprilat, the active form that inhibits ACE. This reduces aldosterone secretion, which can lower sodium and water retention. It also increases bradykinin levels, which can contribute to vasodilation—and to the dry cough some people notice on ACE inhibitors.

Dosage and Usage

• Adults not on a diuretic often start at 10 mg once daily. Many patients then move to 20–40 mg daily, given once or in two doses. Maximum is generally 80 mg per day.
• If you take a diuretic, an initial 5 mg once-daily dose may reduce the risk of low blood pressure. Your prescriber may pause or lower the diuretic when starting benazepril.
• Pediatric patients (≥6 years) use weight-based dosing. A clinician will determine the tablet strength and any adjustments.
• Swallow tablets with water. Take at the same time each day. You can take benazepril with or without food.
• Check your blood pressure at home, especially after dose changes. Keep a log to share at follow-up visits.
• Missed dose: take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Renal impairment may require lower starting doses and slower titration. Your prescriber may order blood tests after initiation and dose changes.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original bottle with the desiccant. Protect from moisture and excessive heat.
• Do not store in a bathroom. Close the cap tightly after each use.
• For travel, carry enough tablets for the trip plus a few extra days. Keep in your carry-on in the original labeled bottle.
• If flying, security X-rays will not harm your medication.

Benefits and Savings

Benazepril lowers blood pressure effectively and is taken once daily for most people. It can be used with other classes to reach targets. Many patients see improved control with 20–40 mg daily. As an ACE inhibitor, it may also help reduce proteinuria and support kidney health in certain conditions under medical supervision.

You can save 60–80% versus typical U.S. prices by ordering at Canadian pricing. Multi-month supplies often lower the per-month cost, and you can turn on gentle reorder reminders so you do not run short. Compare Benazepril cost across strengths to match your prescribed dose and budget.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: dry cough, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and mild diarrhea.
• Lab-related: increased potassium, small changes in kidney function at initiation.
• Less common: rash, taste changes, muscle cramps, or low blood pressure symptoms (lightheadedness).

Serious reactions are uncommon but need urgent care. These include angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe hypotension, significant increases in potassium, kidney injury, liver problems, or allergic reactions. ACE inhibitors carry a boxed warning for fetal toxicity. Do not use in pregnancy; stop benazepril and contact your prescriber if you become pregnant. Avoid benazepril with a history of ACE inhibitor–related angioedema. Do not combine with aliskiren in diabetes. Allow a 36-hour washout between benazepril and sacubitril/valsartan to lower angioedema risk. NSAIDs, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, and lithium may interact. For an overview, see Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Onset Time

Blood pressure usually begins to fall within hours of the first dose. The peak effect from a single dose occurs in about 1–4 hours. Consistent control builds over 1–2 weeks as benazepril reaches steady state. The full effect of a dose change can take up to 2–4 weeks. Talk with your prescriber before making any adjustments.

Compare With Alternatives

Lisinopril is another ACE inhibitor taken once daily. It has a long half-life and a broad dose range similar to benazepril. Patients who do well on ACE inhibitors often have similar blood pressure outcomes between benazepril and lisinopril, so choice may reflect tolerance and prescriber preference.

Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor dosed once or twice daily. It has extensive evidence in hypertension and heart failure. Some patients prefer benazepril’s once-daily schedule; others do well on enalapril divided dosing.

Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It may be considered if an ACE inhibitor cough develops, since ARBs do not increase bradykinin to the same extent. Blood pressure reduction is comparable for many patients at equivalent potency.

Combination Therapy

• Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide: a common pairing. Fixed-dose combinations exist. Starting at low doses and titrating helps limit dizziness.
• Benazepril plus a calcium channel blocker (for example, amlodipine) can improve control and may limit peripheral edema compared with higher-dose amlodipine alone.
• Benazepril with a beta-blocker may be used when there are other cardiac indications. Monitor blood pressure and kidney function, especially if also using a diuretic.
• Avoid dual renin-angiotensin system blockade (ACE inhibitor plus ARB or aliskiren) unless a specialist advises it, due to added risk without clear benefit.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with primary hypertension are typical candidates. Pediatric patients 6 years and older may also use benazepril when a clinician prescribes weight-based dosing. People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease may be considered for ACE inhibitor therapy to help manage blood pressure and reduce albuminuria under medical guidance.

Benazepril may not be suitable if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is also not appropriate for those with prior angioedema on an ACE inhibitor. Caution is needed with significant renal impairment, bilateral renal artery stenosis, or high potassium. If you are on a diuretic or salt-restricted diet, a lower starting dose helps reduce symptomatic hypotension. Black patients may have a smaller blood pressure response to ACE inhibitors when used alone; adding a thiazide or calcium channel blocker often improves response.

To save more, consider a 90-day supply if your prescriber is comfortable with stable dosing. Per-month pricing often falls with larger fills. You can set simple reorder reminders so you have time to renew the prescription. Compare Benazepril price across 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets to match your dose and budget.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information: Lotensin (benazepril)

DailyMed: Benazepril Hydrochloride Tablets

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Benazepril

Order Benazepril from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.