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Lotensin Hct

What are ACE inhibitors and how do they work?

The class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, as the class name suggests, reduces the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme. ACE converts angiotensin I produced by the body to angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract and narrow the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).

By reducing the activity of ACE, ACE inhibitors decrease the formation of angiotensin II which leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels, and thereby reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high blood p...

Lotensin Hct

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Lotensin HCT®
(benazepril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide USP) Combination Tablets
5 mg/6.25 mg
10 mg/12.5 mg
20 mg/12.5 mg
20 mg/25 mg

WARNING

FETAL TOXICITY

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Lotensin HCT 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. Benazepril hydrochloride's chemical name is 3-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-(3S)-benza zepine-1-acetic acid monohydrochloride; its structural formula is

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 nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Benazepril is converted to benazeprilat by hepatic cleavage of the ester group.

Hydrochlorothiazide USP is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution, in n-butylamine, and in dimethylformamide; sparingly soluble in methanol; and insoluble in ether, in chloroform, and in dilute mineral acids. Hydrochlorothiazide's chemical name is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide; its structural formula is

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

Its empirical formula is C7H8ClN3O4S2, and its molecular weight is 297.73. Hydrochloro thiazide is a thiazide diuretic.

Lotensin HCT is a combination of benazepril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide USP. The tablets are formulated for oral administration with a combination of 5, 10, or 20 mg of benazepril hydrochloride and 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide USP. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are cellulose compounds, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil, iron oxides (10/12.5-mg, 20/12.5-mg, and 20/25-mg tablets), lactose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

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

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:

  • high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
  • low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
  • dry mouth,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lotensin Hct »

What are the precautions when taking benazepril hcl and hctz (Lotensin Hct)?

Before taking benazepril with hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies (including an allergic reaction after exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering). This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: urinary problems (inability to make urine or anuria), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).

Before using this medication, tell...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lotensin Hct »

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

Lotensin Hct - User Reviews

Lotensin Hct User Reviews

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