Benazepril Tablets

What is this medication?

BENAZEPRIL (ben AY ze pril) treats high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotensin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bone marrow disease
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• If you are on a special diet, such as a low salt diet
• Immune system disease like lupus
• Kidney or liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to benazepril, insect venom, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Sacubitril; valsartan

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Diuretics
• Everolimus
• Lithium
• Medications for high blood pressure
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium salts or potassium supplements
• Sirolimus
• Temsirolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact them. Call your care team if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.

Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your care team or pharmacist for more information.

Check with your care team if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.