What is benazepril?
Benazepril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Benazepril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about benazepril?
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Benazepril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of benazepril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking benazepril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benazepril?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benazepril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take benazepril, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
diabetes; or
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Benazepril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.