Common use

Lotensin contains active substance Benazepril hydrochloride which is an angiotensin converting enzyme which blocks transformation of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, decreases vasoconstricting effects of angiotensin II and its stimulation on aldosterone production. The drug is used in treatment of high blood pressure in adults and children 7 to 17 years old.

Dosage and direction

Take on an empty or full stomach. Initial dose administered to patients who are not treated by thiazide diuretics is 10 mg once daily. If necessary the dose may be increased up to 20 mg a day. Dose correction performed on a basis of blood pressure tests. Maximal daily dose is 40 mg taken as a single dose or divided in two intakes.

Precautions

Kidney function should be monitored on a regular basis when on Lotensin. Poor kidney function and lupus may reduce supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. Risk of allergic reaction increases in the patients on kidney dialysis. Intestinal swelling may be caused by Lotensin. Contact your doctor if you have abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. Your dosage of Lotensin may be adjusted or discontinued if you are treated with Lotensin and diuretics and develop low blood pressure expressed by light-headedness or fainting, especially during the first few days of therapy. If you are currently taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium check with your doctor before taking Lotensin. Avoid excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, and vomiting as blood pressure may become too low.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of Lotensin or other inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Side effects are unlikely to occur. If any you may experience a dry, persistent cough, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of taste, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, severe dizziness or fainting, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, rash, facial swelling fever, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and a sore or swollen throat.

Drug interaction

Diuretics, ethanol, aldesleukin, local anesthetics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, levodopa increases the risk of excessive blood pressure lowering. Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics increase a risk of hyperpotassemia. Lotensin increases blood concentration and toxic effects of lithium ions. NSAIDs, estrogens, alpha-adrenostimulants reduce hypotensive effects of Lotensin. In controlled clinical studies, indomethacin did not change hypotensive action of Lotensin. Medicines which suppress bone marrow may increase a risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue  taking the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose for this medicine are not known. The most likely to occur is a sudden drop in blood pressure. In case of suspected overdose seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Do not store at the temperature over 30 C. Keep away from children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.