Benazepril side effects
Benazepril, an ACE inhibitor, is generally well-tolerated but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of benazepril include:
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can occur especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. To manage this, one should get up slowly from lying or sitting positions.
- Swelling in the Feet or Lower Legs: This side effect should be monitored closely, and if it becomes severe or accompanied by trouble breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately.
- Headache: Mild headaches can occur. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used for management, but if the headache persists or is severe, a healthcare provider should be consulted.
- Cough: A dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. If it’s persistent or bothersome, a healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different class of blood pressure medication.
- Flushing or warmth: Some people may experience a feeling of warmth or flushing in the face. This is usually temporary and not severe.
- Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Stomach Pain: These gastrointestinal symptoms can occur. Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help manage these symptoms.
- Fatigue or Weakness: If fatigue or weakness is experienced, it’s important to ensure adequate rest and proper nutrition.
- Changes in Blood Sugar: ACE inhibitors can sometimes affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely and discuss any significant changes with their healthcare provider.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms can include itching, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. This requires immediate medical attention.
- Kidney Problems: Benazepril can sometimes cause a decrease in kidney function. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor kidney health.
- Hyperkalemia (High Potassium Levels): ACE inhibitors can cause an increase in potassium levels. Dietary management and regular blood tests to monitor potassium levels are important.
If any side effects are persistent, severe, or concerning, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They may adjust the dosage, recommend a different medication, or provide additional guidance to manage the side effects effectively. It is also important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions and take the medication as prescribed.
Dosage
Benazepril is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. The dosage is determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications they may be taking. Here’s a general guide on the usage and dosage of benazepril:
Adult Hypertension:
- The typical starting dose is 10 mg once daily.
- The dose may be increased to 20 mg to 40 mg, given once daily or in two divided doses.
- The maximum dose is usually 40 mg per day.
Heart Failure:
- The starting dose is usually 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily.
- The dose may be increased to a target dose of 10 mg to 20 mg, given once daily or in two divided doses.
- The maximum dose is typically 20 mg per day.
Dosage for Children:
- Benazepril is not approved for use in children under the age of 6 years.
Administration:
- Benazepril should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or split.
- It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions exactly and not to miss any doses.
Missed Dose:
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose:
- An overdose of benazepril can be dangerous. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Monitoring:
- Regular blood pressure checks and periodic blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels may be necessary while taking benazepril.
Contraindications and Precautions:
- Benazepril should not be used by individuals who are allergic to it or any of its components.
- It should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or those who have had an allergic reaction to other ACE inhibitors.
- It’s important to inform the healthcare provider about all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
As with all medications, it’s crucial to take benazepril exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and any potential side effects.
Precautions
When taking benazepril, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and considerations to ensure safe and effective use of the medication. Here are some key points to consider:
- Allergy Alert: Do not take benazepril if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have a history of an allergic reaction to other ACE inhibitors.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Benazepril can be harmful to an unborn baby and may also pass into breast milk. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use benazepril without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Kidney and Liver Disease: Benazepril should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or monitor you closely.
- Heart Problems: If you have heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, your healthcare provider will monitor you closely while you are taking benazepril.
- Surgery: Inform your healthcare provider that you are taking benazepril if you are scheduled for surgery, as it may affect the anesthesia and your response to it.
- Salt and Potassium Intake: Follow a low-salt diet and be cautious with potassium supplements or potassium-rich foods, as benazepril can affect your electrolyte balance.
- Dehydration: Be careful not to become dehydrated, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, as this can affect how benazepril works in your body.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of benazepril.
- Other Medications: Some medications can interact with benazepril, including diuretics, potassium supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other medications used to treat high blood pressure. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.
- Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks and periodic blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels may be necessary while taking benazepril.
- Side Effects: Be alert to potential side effects and report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
- Driving and Operating Machinery: Benazepril may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose is changed. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Temperature Extremes: Be cautious when exposed to hot weather or doing activities that can cause you to overheat, as well as when exposed to cold temperatures, as benazepril can affect how your body responds to temperature changes.
Benazepril is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Its pharmacological action is based on the inhibition of the ACE enzyme, which plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) within the body.
how benazepril works?
- Inhibition of Angiotensin I Conversion: Benazepril blocks the action of ACE, which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes the narrowing of blood vessels, which increases peripheral resistance and raises blood pressure.
- Reduction of Vasoconstriction: By inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, benazepril causes relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in peripheral resistance and lower blood pressure.
- Reduction of Aldosterone Secretion: Angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention and the excretion of potassium. By reducing the levels of angiotensin II, benazepril decreases aldosterone secretion, which helps to decrease fluid retention and can help to preserve potassium levels.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: In addition to its blood pressure-lowering effects, benazepril also has beneficial effects on the heart. It can reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing the resistance against which the heart must pump. It also helps to improve the heart’s ability to pump blood in patients with heart failure.
- Long-term Effects: Benazepril’s actions help to manage hypertension and heart failure long-term, reducing the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
Benazepril is available under both generic and brand names, with the brand name Lotensin being one of the most recognized.
Several pharmaceutical companies produce benazepril, including major generic drug manufacturers like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan (now part of Viatris), and Sandoz (a division of Novartis). The availability of benazepril in generic form has significantly reduced its cost, making it accessible to a broader patient population.
The market size for benazepril, like many generic medications, is substantial but not as large as newer, patented drugs. According to market research, the overall market for antihypertensive drugs, which includes benazepril, is projected to grow steadily due to the increasing prevalence of hypertension. However, specific revenue figures for benazepril alone are less frequently reported due to its generic status and the wide availability of alternative antihypertensive medications.
