Blood Pressure/Cholesterol

Lotensin (Benazepril)

Lotensin can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic medication. Lotensin HCT is an example of a medication which combines the effect of benazepril with a thiazide type diuretic (water pill) in treating hypertension. By reducing resistance in the arteries, lotensin can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

May be taken on an empty or full stomach. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication.

Lotensin is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as lotensin lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but also improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure.

If you miss a dose of Zyvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Lotensin should not be taken by people with a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, and can lead to serious breathing difficulties. Lotensin can interact with diuretics (water pills) and other blood pressure medicines to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can result in symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Worsening of kidney function has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients with severe heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. Combining lotensin with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin (Indocin) and possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the blood pressure lowering effect of lotensin. In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been reported with the use of another ACE inhibitor. Low white blood cells increase the patient's risk of infections. When taken with lithium, lotensin can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Safe use in children is not established. It is not habit forming. ACE inhibitors, including lotensin, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.