Benazepril/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
ben-AZ-e-pril hye-droe-KLOR-ide, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
ACE Inhibitor/Thiazide Combination, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of medicines that 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.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Some foods and medicines can affect how benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Aliskiren, biperiden, cholestyramine, colestipol, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, digoxin, everolimus, lithium, methotrexate, sirolimus, temsirolimus Another blood pressure medicine, including an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) Insulin or other diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benazepril, another ACE inhibitor, hydrochlorothiazide, or a sulfa drug, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout, heart disease, high cholesterol, lupus or a similar disorder, trouble urinating, or a history of asthma or allergies.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Angioedema (severe swelling) Serious liver problems Kidney problems GlaucomaThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you are lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Severe stomach pain (with or without nausea and vomiting)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry cough
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lotensin HCT
There may be other brand names for this medicine.