Lotensin
(benazepril)
Lowers blood pressure.
Our bottom line
Lotensin (benazepril) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that also protects kidney function.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (benazepril)
Upsides
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
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What to expect from benazepril, on one page
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44Downsides
- Up to 1 in 10 people can get a dry cough with this medicine. It ranges from a mild tickle in the throat to a persistent hacking cough.
- Requires a regular blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
- Not safe to use if you're pregnant.
- This drug interacts with other medications that affect potassium, so it needs to be dosed carefully.
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What to expect from benazepril, on one page
Download Fact SheetLotensin (benazepril) is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This makes blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to get to your heart and other organs.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (benazepril)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$384.15
- Get free coupon
$391.21
What to expect when you take Lotensin (benazepril) for High blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Kidney problems
- High potassium levels
- Cough
- Swelling of face and head
Side effect rates for Lotensin (benazepril)
- Headache6%6%4%4%
- Dizziness4%4%2%2%
- Somnolence2%2%
- Dizziness when standing up2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of benazepril.
People taking benazepril felt side effect more
People taking benazepril felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Lotensin (benazepril)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Women of childbearing age
- › Infants less than one year old
Lotensin (benazepril) can cause birth defects. If you become pregnant, stop taking Lotensin (benazepril) right away and talk to your doctor. It can also hurt the development of kidneys in infants less than 1 year of age, so never give Lotensin (benazepril) to infants.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Lotensin (benazepril)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- This drug interacts with other medications that affect potassium, so it needs to be dosed carefully.
- Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.