Brand Name
Lotensin
Common Name
benazepril HCl
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00885843 | LOTENSIN 10MG TABLET |
| 00885851 | LOTENSIN 20MG TABLET |
| 00885835 | LOTENSIN 5MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Benazepril belongs to the class of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Benazepril may be used in addition to diuretics (water pills) known as thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) when one medication has not been found to control blood pressure satisfactorily.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of benazepril ranges from 10 mg daily (to start) to 40 mg daily, with or without meals. The usual dose is 20 mg daily. Lower doses may be used for people who take other medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., diuretics) or people who have kidney disease. It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effects of the medication.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
5 mg
Each light yellow, ovaloid, slightly biconvex, film-coated tablet, one side is imprinted LV, the other CG with a score on both sides, contains benazepril HCl 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose compounds, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, iron oxide, lactose, polyethylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide.
10 mg
Each dark yellow, ovaloid, slightly biconvex, film-coated tablet, fully bisected on both sides, one side is engraved CG, the other HO, contains benazepril HCl 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose compounds, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, iron oxide, lactose, polyethylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide.
20 mg
Each light orange, round, slightly biconvex, film-coated tablet, with bevelled edges, one side is branded HP, the other CG in brown, contains benazepril HCl 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose compounds, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, iron oxide, lactose, polyethylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Benazepril should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to benazepril or any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a history of angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) after taking any medications known as ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, ramipril)
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