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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medications (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) > Lotensin and Equivalent

Lotensin Information

Lotensin (Benazepril) is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is when the blood pressure in your blood vessels is too high. People with high blood pressure may not feel any symptoms. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked. Lotensin is a combination medicine of Benazepril. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like Benazepril prevent the body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. This helps to effectively relax your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart.

Lotensin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lotensin may include cough, drowsiness, headache, and lightheadedness. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Fainting;
• Signs of high potassium blood levels such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness;
• Signs of kidney problems such as swelling, infrequent urination, shortness of breath, feeling tired;
• Signs of liver problems such as appetite loss, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools

Lotensin Precautions

Do not use Lotensin if you are allergic to Benazepril or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have angioedema, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Lotensin and other medications, such as losartan, sacubitril, aspirin, aliskiren, amiloride, lithium, etc. Do not take this drug within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril. Do not use Lotensin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. The drug may harm an unborn baby. Taking this drug in the second or third trimester of pregnancy may lead to injury or death in the newborn. Do not use Lotensin while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Benazepril passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Lotensin comes as a tablet. Do not break or chew the medicine. You may take this drug with or without food. It may take up to two weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Keep using this drug even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Lotensin may cause dizziness. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position to reduce your risk of dizziness. You can easily become dehydrated when taking Lotensin. Drink enough fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration. In addition to taking medication, lifestyle changes will help control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation. Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes while using this drug unless your doctor has told you to. Store Lotensin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Lotensin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Lotensin.