Benazepril And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route) Proper Use

Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

Lotensin HCT

Descriptions

Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, benazepril relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine which helps lower the blood pressure.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

Tablet

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Aliskiren
Dofetilide
Sacubitril

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acarbose
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Acetyldigoxin
Albiglutide
Albuterol
Alogliptin
Alteplase, Recombinant
Amiloride
Amphetamine
Amtolmetin Guacil
Arsenic Trioxide
Aspirin
Azathioprine
Azilsartan
Azilsartan Medoxomil
Benzphetamine
Bromfenac
Bromocriptine
Bufexamac
Buprenorphine
Canagliflozin
Candesartan
Canrenoate
Celecoxib
Chlorpropamide
Choline Salicylate
Clonixin
Codeine
Cyclosporine
Dapagliflozin
Deslanoside
Desmopressin
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Dextroamphetamine
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Digitalis
Digitoxin
Digoxin
Dipyrone
Droperidol
Droxicam
Dulaglutide
Empagliflozin
Eplerenone
Eprosartan
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Everolimus
Exenatide
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Flecainide
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Flurbiprofen
Formoterol
Furosemide
Glimepiride
Glipizide
Glyburide
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Insulin
Insulin Aspart, Recombinant
Insulin Bovine
Insulin Degludec
Insulin Detemir
Insulin Glulisine
Irbesartan
Ketanserin
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Levomethadyl
Linagliptin
Liraglutide
Lisdexamfetamine
Lithium
Lixisenatide
Lornoxicam
Losartan
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Melphalan
Mercaptopurine
Methamphetamine
Methotrexate
Metildigoxin
Miglitol
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Naproxen
Nateglinide
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Oliceridine
Olmesartan
Ouabain
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Pioglitazone
Piroxicam
Porfimer
Potassium
Potassium Citrate
Pramlintide
Proglumetacin
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Proscillaridin
Repaglinide
Rofecoxib
Rosiglitazone
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Saxagliptin
Sirolimus
Sitagliptin
Sodium Salicylate
Sotalol
Spironolactone
Sufentanil
Sulindac
Tacrolimus
Tapentadol
Telmisartan
Tenoxicam
Tiaprofenic Acid
Tolazamide
Tolbutamide
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Topiramate
Tramadol
Triamterene
Trimethoprim
Valdecoxib
Valsartan
Vildagliptin
Vonoprazan

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Aminolevulinic Acid
Amtolmetin Guacil
Bepridil
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Bumetanide
Bupivacaine
Bupivacaine Liposome
Capsaicin
Carbamazepine
Celecoxib
Cholestyramine
Choline Salicylate
Clonixin
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Dipyrone
Droxicam
Ethacrynic Acid
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Etozolin
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Flurbiprofen
Ginkgo
Gold Sodium Thiomalate
Gossypol
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Licorice
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Naproxen
Nepafenac
Nesiritide
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Phenylbutazone
Piketoprofen
Piretanide
Piroxicam
Pranoprofen
Proglumetacin
Propionic Acid
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Rofecoxib
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Sodium Salicylate
Sulindac
Tenoxicam
Tiaprofenic Acid
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Torsemide
Valdecoxib

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use

This medicine should not be the first medicine you use to treat your condition. It is meant to be used only after you have tried other medicines that have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For high blood pressure:
  - Adults—One tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 milligrams (mg) benazepril and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby, especially in your second or third trimester. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. You may need to stop using this medicine.

You should not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®) within 36 hours of each other.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, lips, tongue, or throat while you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting). This could be a symptom of a condition called intestinal angioedema.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position or if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, stop using this medicine until you have talked to your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Check with your doctor if you have a fever, chills, or sore throat. These could be symptoms of an infection resulting from low white blood cells.

This medicine may increase the amount of cholesterol and fats in your blood. If this condition occurs, your doctor may give you some medicines that can lower the amount of cholesterol and fats in the blood.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty reading, eye pain, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. This could be a sign of a serious eye problem. Your doctor may want an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) to check your eyes.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, trouble breathing, or weakness or heaviness of the legs. Do not use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium without first checking with your doctor.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting skin cancer (eg, non-melanoma skin cancer). Avoid sun exposure. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

This medicine may be less effective in black patients. Black patients also have an increased risk of swelling of the hands, arms, face, mouth, or throat. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are drinking alcohol or using pain relievers or sleeping pills.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blurred vision
confusion
decreased urination
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
dry mouth
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
muscle cramps or pain
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
rapid breathing
seizures
sunken eyes
sweating
thirst
trembling
unusual tiredness or weakness
weakness and heaviness of the legs
wrinkled skin

Rare

Black, tarry stools
bloating
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles" , or tingling feelings
chest pain
chills
constipation
cough or hoarseness
darkened urine
diarrhea
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
fever
headache
indigestion
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nausea
painful or difficult urination
pains in the stomach or side, possibly radiating to the back
persistent non-healing sore
pink growth
reddish patch or irritated area
sensation of spinning
shiny bump
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting
white, yellow or waxy scar-like area
yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Cough
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
excessive muscle tone
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
inability to have or keep an erection
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
muscle stiffness
muscle tension or tightness
sensation of spinning
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Rare

Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
diarrhea
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
joint or muscle pain
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
redness of the skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
severe sunburn

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benazepril-and-hydrochlorothiazide-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20069142

Benazepril And Hydrochlorothiazide (Oral Route)

Description and Brand Names

US Brand Name

Descriptions

Before Using

Allergies

Pediatric

Geriatric

Breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

Other Interactions

Other Medical Problems

Proper Use

Dosing

Missed Dose

Storage

Precautions

Side Effects

Less common

Rare

Less common

Rare

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