Lotensin

Generic Name: Benazepril
Brand Name: Lotensin

Indications

Lotensin is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Dosage and administration

Lotensin is available in tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strength.

Normal dosage:
The recommended initial dose for patients not receiving a diuretic is 10 mg once a day. The usual maintenance dosage range is 20-40 mg per day administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. A dose of 80 mg gives an increased response, but experience with this dose is limited. The divided regimen was more effective in controlling trough (pre-dosing) blood pressure than the same dose given as a once-daily regimen. Dosage adjustment should be based on measurement of peak (2-6 hours after dosing) and trough responses. If a once-daily regimen does not give adequate trough response, an increase in dosage or divided administration should be considered.

Overdose: Overdose symptoms include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

Drug Description

Benazepril hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble ( > 100 mg/mL) in water, in ethanol, and in methanol. Its chemical name is 3-[[1-(ethoxy-carbonyl)-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-(3S)-benzazepine-1-acetic acid monohydrochloride; its structural formula is

Its empirical formula is C24H28N2O5•HCl, and its molecular weight is 460.96.

 

 

Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this medication and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction
• chest pain
• an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat
• severe dizziness
• signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever

Precautions

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements except under the supervision of your doctor.
• Perspiration, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Lotensin. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lotensin, unless your doctor has told you to.

 

Drug Interactions

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others
• salt substitutes that contain potassium
• any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor)
• any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others)

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