What is Lotensin?
Lotensin is used either alone or with other medications for the treatment of high blood pressure. Benazepril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Lotensin reduces certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely.When left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the brain, the heart, the blood vessels, the kidneys, and other organs. These organs can be damaged and cause heart disease, stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Making lifestyle changes can help control blood pressure in addition to medication. This includes eating a low-fat and salty diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation.
Warnings
Lotensin should not be used if you're pregnant. Stop taking the medicine immediately if you become pregnant. Inform your doctor of any changes as soon as you can.This medicine should not be used if you've ever had angioedema. Do not take Lotensin for 36 hours after or before taking a medicine that contains sacubitril, such as Entresto.Lotensin should not be taken with aliskiren, a blood pressure medication, if you have diabetes.
Before you take this drug
Lotensin should not be used if you have an allergy to benazepril.Lotensin should not be taken within 36 hours of taking a medicine containing sacubitril, such as Entersto.Lotensin should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.Lotensin should not be taken if you suffer from angioedema.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lotensin will be safe for you:
- Heart disease is a heart problem, such as recent heart attacks.
- Stomach pain;
- Low blood pressure
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
- Diabetes;
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it)
If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid using lotensin in conjunction with aliskiren.If you are pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. Benazepril may cause harm or even death to an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester.Breastfeeding is not recommended.
How to take Lotensin?
Lotensin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Lotensin can be taken with or without food.If you experience persistent nausea, diarrhoea, or excessive sweating, call your doctor. Lotensin can cause dehydration. It can cause very low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or renal failure.You may also need frequent blood tests. Diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and other medication may be part of your treatment. Please follow your doctor's advice.Inform your doctor of any planned surgery.Continue to take this medication even if your symptoms are normal. High blood pressure can often be symptomless.Store tightly closed, at room temperature, and away from moisture or heat.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: with a diuretic, 5 mg orally one time a day. Without a diuretic, 10 mg orally one time a day
Maintenance dose: 20–40 mg/day, orally in two equal doses
Maximum dose: 80 mg/day
Comments:
The divided-dose regimen was more efficient in controlling blood pressure before pre-dosing.
If you are discontinuing diuretics prior to taking this drug, to reduce the risk of hypotension, begin diuretic treatment 2 to 3 weeks before starting this drug.
The usual paediatric dose for hypertension is:
6 YEARS OLD OR OLDER
Initial dose: orally, 0.2 mg/kg once daily as monotherapy
Maximum dose: 0.6 mg/kg; 40 mg/day
Comments:
The doses of 0.1–0.6 mg/kg per day were studied. Doses greater than 0.1 mg/kg reduce blood pressure. Paediatric patients have not received doses over 0.6 mg/kg/day or above 40 mg/day.
Prepare a suspension to be given to paediatric patients who are unable or unwilling to swallow tablets or whose calculated dosage is not in accordance with the available tablet strengths.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.You should not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless you have been told to by your doctor.Drink enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink. Drinking too much liquid is as dangerous as not drinking enough.
Side effects of Lotensin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,
Lotensin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Kidney problems: swelling, urinating more, feeling tired, or short of breath
- High potassium, nausea, weakness, tingling feeling, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, or loss of mobility
- Liver disorders: loss of appetite (upper right), stomach pain, fatigue, itching, and dark urine
Common side effects of lotensin include:
- Headache
- Cough.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Benazepril may harm your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer or osteoporosis.
You should tell your doctor about any medications you take, such as:
- Diuretics or "water pills" may raise blood potassium levels, such as triamterene or amiloride.
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Indomethacin), celecoxib (Aleve), and others.
- Insulin, or diabetes medications
- Medicines to prevent transplant rejection, such as temsirolimus, sirolimus, or everolimus
- Heart or blood pressure medications
This list is incomplete. Benazepril may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
