Lotensin

Generic name: Benazepril hydrochloride

What is Lotensin?

Lotensin is a type of blood pressure lowering medication known as an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Lotensin is used to lower your blood pressure when taken alone or in combination with other medications.

What is the most important information I should know about Lotensin?

When taken during pregnancy, ACE inhibitors such as Lotensin can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, stop taking Lotensin and contact your doctor immediately.

Lotensin can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Lotensin may rarely cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs tell your doctor immediately.

Lotensin may cause lightheadedness or fainting, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position.

Lotensin may decrease your levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, especially if you have lupus erythematosus or kidney disease. If you have these diseases your doctor will most likely monitor you closely by taking regular blood samples. If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Lotensin, promptly report it to your doctor.

Lotensin should be taken with caution in patients who have congestive heart failure.

Who should not take Lotensin?

You should not take Lotensin if you have had a previous allergic reaction or are sensitive to Lotensin or any other ACE inhibitor.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lotensin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lotensin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, if you have lupus, heart failure or kidney disease, or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor such as Lotensin.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your daily dose to 20 to 40 mg per day as one dose or split into multiple doses.

Children ages ≥6 years: In children, usual doses of Lotensin range from 0.1 to 0.6 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.

How should I take Lotensin?

Lotensin can be taken with or without food, at the same time every day.

What should I avoid while taking Lotensin?

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lotensin will affect you. Also avoid becoming dehydrated while taking Lotensin; this could cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lotensin?

If Lotensin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lotensin with any of the following: antidiabetes medications, diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), lithium, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium

What are the possible side effects of Lotensin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: headache, dizziness, cough, fatigue, nausea

Can I receive Lotensin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Taking Lotensin while you are pregnant could cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lotensin?

If you forget to take Lotensin, skip the dose you missed and then return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Lotensin?

Store Lotensin at room temperature in a tightly closed container protected from light.