Lotensin (Benazepril) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure. Treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of complications like heart attacks, stroke, and kidney problems. The active ingredient in Lotensin is Benazepril. Benazepril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels to improve blood flow.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Lotensin from Turkey manufactured by Meda Pharms in the strength of 10 mg tablets. The generic Benazepril is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Lotensin. The most common side effects of Lotensin may include the following:
• Dry cough;
• Drowsiness;
• Headache;
• Lightheadedness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fainting;
• Signs of high potassium blood levels such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness;
• Signs of kidney problems such as swelling, infrequent urination, shortness of breath, feeling tired;
• Signs of liver problems such as appetite loss, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools
These are not all of the side effects of Lotensin. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Lotensin if you are allergic to Benazepril or any ingredient in Lotensin. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are on a low-salt diet;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have angioedema;
• Have diabetes;
• Have heart disease;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Have low blood pressure
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Lotensin and other medicines, like aliskiren, amiloride, aspirin, sirolimus, lithium, losartan, sacubitril, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Lotensin may harm your unborn baby. Using this drug, especially in your second or third trimester, can cause injury or death to your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Benazepril passes into breast milk, which may affect a nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Lotensin is a tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with water, and do not crush or chew. You may take the drug with or without food. It may take up to two weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Keep using this drug even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Lotensin may cause dizziness. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position to reduce your risk of dizziness. You can easily become dehydrated when taking Lotensin. Drink enough fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.