Home :: Drugs :: Benazepril

Benazepril - Learn about Benazepril Side Effects and Precautions

Benazepril Information

The pharmacology action of Benazepril is that it competitively inhibits angiotensin I-converting enzyme, resulting in the prevention of angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates aldosterone secretion. This action results in a decrease in sodium and fluid retention, increase in diuresis and a decrease in BP

Benazepril is used in treatment of hypertension. This fixed combination drug is not intended for the initial therapy of hypertension .

Interaction and Contraindication of Benazepril

Interaction of Benazepril - Cholestyramine, colestipol:  May impair the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide.
Insulin:  In diabetic patients, requirements of insulin may be increased, decreased, or unchanged

Contraindication of Benazepril - Anuric patients; patients hypersensitive to benazepril or any other ACE inhibitor; hydrochlorothiazide or other sulfonamide derivative.

Side Effects of Benazepril

Here are the list of some common side effects of Benazepril :

• Postural dizziness; hypotension; palpitations; syncope; tachycardia; peripheral vascular disorder; orthostatic hypotension
• Dizziness; headache; fatigue; somnolence; insomnia; nervousness; vertigo; lightheadedness; weakness; restlessness
• Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; dyspepsia; anorexia; constipation; dry mouth; paresthesia; taste perversion; pancreatitis; sialadenitis; cramping; gastric irritation.
• Cough; upper respiratory infection; respiratory distress (including pneumonitis, pulmonary edema).
• Hypertonia; angioedema (including edema of lips and face); flushing; arthralgia; myalgia; asthenia; pain (including chest and abdominal); back pain; flu-like syndrome; muscle spasm; necrotizing angiitis .

Precaution and Warning while taking Benazepril

The precaution and warnings of Benazepril drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to take prescribed dose qd, without regard to meals.
• Advise patient to try to take each dose at about the same time each day.
• Inform patient that drug controls, but not does cure, hypertension and to continue taking drug as prescribed even when BP is not elevated.
• Caution patient not to change the dose or stop taking unless advised to do so by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to continue taking other BP medications as prescribed by health care provider.
• Instruct patient in BP and pulse measurement skills.
• Advise patient to monitor and record BP and pulse at home and to inform health care provider should abnormal measurements be noted. Also advise patient to take record of BP and pulse to each follow-up visit.
• Caution patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
• Instruct patient to lie or sit down if experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness when standing.
• Caution patient that inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to excessive fall in BP resulting in lightheadedness or fainting.
• Instruct diabetic patient to monitor blood glucose more frequently when drug is started or dose is changed and to inform health care provider of significant changes in readings.
• Caution patient to avoid unnecessary exposure to UV light (eg, sunlight, tanning booths) and to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposed to UV light to avoid photosensitivity reaction.
• Emphasize to hypertensive patient importance of other modalities on BP: Weight control, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderate intake of alcohol and salt.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient to stop taking drug and immediately report any of the following symptoms to health care provider: fainting, swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, or tongue, difficulty breathing.
• Instruct patient to inform health care provider if a persistent cough develops while taking this medication.

How to store Benazepril

• Give qd in the morning, with or without food.
• Administer alone or in combination with other antihypertensives.
• Do not administer to pregnant women as fetal and neonatal morbidity and death can occur.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (less than 86°F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light.