Lotensin (Benazepril) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Lotensin

Congestive Heart Failure »

Congestive heart failure facts

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs.

Many disease processes can impair the pumping efficiency of the heart to cause congestive heart failure.

The symptoms of congestive heart failure vary, but can include fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling.

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure is based on knowledge of the individual's medical history, a careful physical examination, and selected laboratory tests.

The treatment of congestive heart failure can include lifestyle modifications, addressing potentially reversible factors, medications, heart transplant, and mechanical therapies.

The course of congestive heart failure in any given patient is extremely variable.

What is congestive h...

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Lotensin

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Lotensin®
(benazepril hydrochloride) Tablets

WARNING

FETAL TOXICITY

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Lotensin as soon as possible.

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. See WARNINGS: Fetal Toxicity

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

Lotensin® (benazepril hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

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

Benazeprilat, the active metabolite of benazepril, is a non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Benazepril is converted to benazeprilat by hepatic cleavage of the ester group.

Lotensin is supplied as tablets containing 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of benazepril hydrochloride for oral administration. The inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil (5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets), hypromellose, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate (40-mg tablets), microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol (5-mg and 40-mg tablets), starch, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of benazepril (Lotensin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling light-headed, fainting;
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
tired...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lotensin »

What are the precautions when taking benazepril (Lotensin)?

Before taking benazepril, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), high level of potassium in the blood, collagen vascular disease (such as lupus, scleroderma).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lotensin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.