What is benazepril?
Benazepril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting
enzyme.
Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Benazepril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benazepril?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benazepril or to any other ACE inhibitor,
such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril),
moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril
(Mavik).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before you take benazepril, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
-
liver disease;
-
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
-
diabetes; or
-
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome,
Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA pregnancy category D.
Do not
use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Benazepril could
cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of
birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during
treatment.
Benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I take benazepril?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Benazepril can be taken with or without food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to
very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking benazepril. Drink
plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
benazepril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store benazepril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of benazepril?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about benazepril?
Your pharmacist has information about benazepril written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of benazepril?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
-
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
-
tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven
heartbeats;
-
chest pain;
-
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
cough;
-
dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
-
nausea, constipation; or
-
mild skin itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about benazepril?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant
or planning a pregnancy. Benazepril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication
during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your
doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of
the side effects of benazepril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your
doctor has told you to.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to
very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking benazepril. Drink
plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
What should I avoid while taking benazepril?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of
the side effects of benazepril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your
doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect benazepril?
Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
-
gold injections to treat arthritis;
-
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
-
insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
-
a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
-
salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
-
a diuretic (water pill).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
benazepril. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using
a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of benazepril?