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Benazepril |
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What is Benazepril and why is it prescribed? Benazepril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. Benazepril works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Benazepril also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels. You must take Benazepril regularly for it to be effective. Benazepril does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Benazepril? Follow your doctors directions for taking Benazepril. Benazepril can be taken with or without food. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium. Take Benazepril exactly as prescribed. Suddenly stopping Benazepril could cause your blood pressure to increase. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Benazepril at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect it from light. Are there any Benazepril side effects? Benazepril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Be especially wary if you're an African American since your chances of this type of reaction are higher. Severe allergic reactions are also more likely if you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions to stings. More common Benazepril side effects may include dizziness and headache. Less common Benazepril side effects may include cough, dizziness upon standing up, drowsiness, fatigue, and nausea. Rare Benazepril side effects may include allergic reactions, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, blisters, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, dark tarry stool containing blood, decreased sex drive, difficulty sleeping, fainting, fluid retention, flushing, impotence, infection, inflammation or peeling of the skin, inflammation of the stomach or pancreas, itching, joint pain, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nervousness, pounding heartbeat, rash, sensitivity to light, shortness of breath, sinus inflammation, sweating, swelling of arms, legs, face, tingling or pins and needles, urinary infections, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Benazepril? If Benazepril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Benazepril with Diuretics (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Lithium (Lithonate), Potassium supplements (such as Slow-K), or Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Moduretic and Dyazide). Are there any special warnings about Benazepril? Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Benazepril and then monitored for the first few weeks. If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that Benazepril may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you are on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to Benazepril are increased. Benazepril can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. If you have congestive heart failure, this drug should be used with caution. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first. If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become too low. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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