Information About Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

What is Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Working of Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Generic Lotensin (Benazepril) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Interaction of Generic Lotensin (Benazepril) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Benazepril is generic equivalent of Lotensin, it is used for Treatment of hypertension.

What is Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Generic Lotensin belong to calss Antihypertensive/ACE inhibitor. Generic Benazepril Competitively inhibits angiotensin I-converting enzyme, resulting in the prevention of angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates aldosterone secretion. Results in decrease in sodium and fluid retention, decrease in blood pressure, and increase in diuresis.

Generic Lotensin (Benazepril) Dosage or Administration

ADULTS: Initial dose: PO 10 mg qd for patients not receiving a diuretic. In patients taking diuretics that cannot be discontinued, give initial dose of 5 mg. Maintenance: PO 20 to 40 mg/day as single dose or in 2 divided doses; doses up to 80 mg have been used.

Precautions for Taking Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

Pregnancy: Category D (second and third trimester); Category C (first trimester). ACE inhibitors can cause injury or death to fetus if used during second or third trimester. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ACE inhibitors as soon as possible. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; avoid use in nursing mothers if possible. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Angioedema: Use with extreme caution in patients with hereditary angioedema. Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal. Hypotension/First-dose effect: Significant decreases in blood pressure may occur after first dose, especially in severely salt- or volume-depleted patients (eg, those undergoing dialysis or vigorous diuretic therapy), or those with heart failure. Risk is minimized by discontinuing use of diuretics, increasing salt intake » 1 wk before initiating benazepril or decreasing benazepril dose. Neutropenia/agranulocytosis: Has occurred with other ACE inhibitors. Renal impairment: Reduce dosage.

Interaction of Generic Lotensin (Benazepril) with Other Drugs

Allopurinol: Greater risk of hypersensitivity possible with coadministration. Antacids: May decrease bioavailability of benazepril; separate administration by 1 to 2 hr. Capsaicin: Cough may be exacerbated. Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels. Diuretics: May cause symptomatic hypotension after initial dose of benazepril. Indomethacin: May reduce effects of benazepril, especially in low-renin or volume-dependent hypertensive patients. Lithium: May increase lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity. Phenothiazines: May increase effects of benazepril. Potassium preparations, potassium-sparing diuretics: May increase serum potassium levels.

Side effects of Generic Lotensin (Benazepril)

CV: Hypotension; ECG changes. CNS: Headache; dizziness; fatigue; hypertonia. DERM: Hypersensitivity reaction (eg, dermatitis, pruritus or rash with or without fever). GI: Nausea. HEPA: Elevated liver enzymes, elevated serum bilirubin. META: Hyperkalemia; hyponatremia; elevated uric acid; elevated blood glucose. RESP: Chronic dry cough. OTHER: Arthralgia; myalgia; angioedema; leukopenia; eosinophilia; proteinuria.