Lotensin belongs to the class of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used for the treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The active ingredient is benazepril. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Benazepril may be used in addition to diuretics.
Directions
Take Lotensin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Take each dose with a full glass of water, with or without food. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. The usual starting dose of Lotensin for adults is 10 mg daily. The dose may be increased gradually to a maximum of 40 mg daily. The usual dose is 20 mg daily.
Precautions
Before taking Lotensin tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angioedema, diabetes, connective tissue disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Marfan syndrome, scleroderma), low blood pressure. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects.
Contraindications
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to Lotensin or to any other ACE inhibitor.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have jaundice, difficulty breathing, skin rash, chest pain, hives, stomach pain, urinating more or less than usual, fever, flu symptoms, muscle weakness, allergic to Lotensin or to any other ACE inhibitor, body aches. Less serious side effects may include: skin itching, cough, nausea, dizziness, headache. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Before taking Lotensin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), lithium, insulin, potassium supplement (K-Dur, Klor-Con), vardenafil, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen), beta-blockers (carvedilol, atenolol), MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline), acetylsalicylic acid, cyclosporine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are feeling light-headed, fainting.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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