What is the most important information I should know about benazepril?
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take benazepril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubatril (such as Entresto).
If you have diabetes, do not use benazepril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna or Tekamlo).
What is benazepril?
Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Benazepril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benazepril?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to benazepril, or if:
- you have hereditary angioedema;
- you recently took a heart medicine called sacubatril; or
- you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor (captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril).
Do not take benazepril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubatril (such as Entresto).
If you have diabetes, do not use benazepril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna o Tekamlo).
You may also need to avoid taking benazepril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure benazepril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
- any history of heart disease; or
- if you have had an organ transplant.
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using benazepril.
Benazepril is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take benazepril?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take benazepril with or without food.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medicine.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking benazepril.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using benazepril.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking benazepril?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Benazepril can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of benazepril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of benazepril?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, severe stomach pain, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- little or no urinating;
-
high potassium --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
-
liver problems --stomach pain (upper right side), loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- cough;
- headache; or
- drowsiness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect benazepril?
Other drugs may interact with benazepril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about benazepril.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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