BENAZEPRIL (ben AY ze pril) is an ACE inhibitor. It treats high blood pressure.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bone marrow disease
heart or blood vessel disease
if you are on a special diet, such as a low salt diet
immune system disease like lupus
kidney or liver disease
low blood pressure
previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
an unusual or allergic reaction to benazepril, other ACE inhibitors, insect venom, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:
sacubitril; valsartan
This medicine may also interact with the following:
diuretics
everolimus
lithium
medicines for high blood pressure
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
potassium salts or potassium supplements
sirolimus
temsirolimus
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
problems swallowing
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
swelling of ankles, legs
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
headache
nausea
sun sensitivity
tiredness
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.