Benazepril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

Directions

Benazepril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take benazepril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benazepril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of benazepril and gradually increase your dose.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Benazepril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take benazepril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking benazepril without talking to your doctor.

Side Effects

Side effects, that may occur while taking this medicine include

• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• cough

If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience

• severe lightheadedness or fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• unusual joint pain
• unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience

• swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hoarseness
• chest pain
• unusual stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• darkening of your urine
• sore throat
• fever

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include

• rash
• itching
• swelling
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) in a tightly-closed container away from heat, moisture, and light.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and fainting.

Cautions

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib), salicylates (such as aspirin), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine or chlorpromazine), "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, or triamterene), certain medicines for diabetes (such as glyburide, glipizide or tolbutamide), pergolide, clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, or trimethoprim.

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of any unusual swelling of your face, neck, or trunk; dehydration; heart problems; blood vessel problems (such as aortic stenosis or stroke); kidney problems; hemodialysis; liver problems; dehydration; electrolyte problems; a salt-restricted diet; lupus or scleroderma; diabetes; blood or bone marrow problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of unusual swelling of your face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, or trunk (angioedema) after taking this or any other ACE inhibitor medicine.

Use of this medicine in children who have severe kidney problems or are under age 6 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child.

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other ACE inhibitors, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product.

Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. It may take 1 to 2 weeks for this medicine to work.

Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.

Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly.

This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activities where excessive sweating may occur.

This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first.

Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.

If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

FOR WOMEN: This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.

Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

If you will be taking this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.