Why is Lotensin prescribed?

Lotensin is used in the treatment of high blood pressure in adults and children 7 to 17 years old. It is effective when used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. Lotensin is in a family of drugs called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Lotensin also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Important safety information:

• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: When Lotensin (Benazepril) is used after the third month of pregnancy, it can cause injury or even death to the developing fetus. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Lotensin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lotensin (Benazepril) .
• Lotensin (Benazepril) is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Diabetes patients - Lotensin (Benazepril) may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Do not use a salt substitute or a potassium supplement without checking with your doctor.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Lotensin (Benazepril) .
• Lotensin (Benazepril) may cause a dry, unproductive cough. This symptom usually stops after treatment with Lotensin is stopped.
• Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after starting blood pressure medicines. Continue taking your medicine even though you may not feel quite "normal." Contact your doctor about any new symptoms.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, sit or stand up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture. If lightheadedness occurs, especially during the first few days of treatment, contact your doctor.
• Lotensin (Benazepril) may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Lotensin . Using Lotensin (Benazepril) alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Special warnings about Lotensin (Benazepril)

Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Lotensin (Benazepril) and then monitored for the first few weeks.

If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that Lotensin (Benazepril) may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you're on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to the drug are increased.

If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as Lotensin (Benazepril) have been known to cause intestinal swelling.

Lotensin (Benazepril) can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.

If you have congestive heart failure, this drug should be used with caution.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first.

If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.

Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, dehydration, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become too low.

What are benazepril tablets?