Benazepril
About Benazepril
Benazepril is an anti-hypertensive medicine primarily used in the treatment of Hypertension. It also helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina (chest pain). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a serious condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. This hardens the heart to pump blood.
Benazepril contains Benazepril, which belongs to the class of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of certain substances that cause an increase in blood pressure. Thus, it allows the blood to flow more smoothly, makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body, and lowers blood pressure.
Benazepril may cause certain common side effects such as cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, chest pain, stomach pain, tiredness, and hoarseness. These side effects do not require medical attention and usually resolve after some time. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor. Take Benazepril in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Always remember not to take more than the prescribed dose.
Avoid taking Benazepril if you are allergic to it. Please consult your doctor if an allergic reaction occurs. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about your medical history and current medication history, including herbs and supplements. This can help prevent unwanted effects and possible interactions. It should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, liver disease, and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking this medicine. Benazepril is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, consult your doctor. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Benazepril
Medicinal Benefits
Benazepril contains Benazepril, which belongs to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors class. It works by reducing the production of certain substances that cause an increase in blood pressure. It allows the blood to flow more smoothly and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Benazepril helps reduce high BP and the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina (chest pain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benazepril
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
Drug Warnings
Benazepril should not be used if you are allergic to it. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about your medical history and current medication history, including herbs and supplements. This can help reduce many adverse effects. It should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, liver disease, and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking this medicine. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it can worsen the condition. It is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established. Benazepril is contraindicated for use in pregnant women due to the occurrence of fetal harm. Hence, let your doctor know if you are pregnant. It is unknown whether Benazepril can be given to breastfeeding mothers. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benazepril may have interaction with heart failure medicines (sacubitril, valsartan), NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen, indomethacin, ibuprofen), drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil), anti-gout medicines (allopurinol), anti-diabetic medicines (sitagliptin, metformin, insulin glargine), medicines used to treat oedema (furosemide), anti-hypertensive medication (aliskiren), medicines to treat depression (lithium), potassium supplements.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Maintain low salt and low-fat diet while taking Benazepril. Avoid consuming potassium-rich foods such as potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benazepril may have interactions with angioedema (swelling), congestive heart failure (heart problems), anti-hemodialysis, low blood pressure, liver diseases and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol while taking this medicine as it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and also increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy
unsafeBenazepril is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Benazepril. If you become pregnant while on treatment with this medicine, contact your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Benazepril. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeDo not drive or operate machinery while using Benazepril as it may cause drowsiness. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionIt is not known how Benazepril affects patients with liver disease. However, if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Benazepril.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Benazepril. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeBenazepril is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established for this age group.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to maintain your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
- Doing regular physical activity or exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help you to lower your raised blood pressure.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Reduce the intake of table salt in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day for better results.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
Special Advise
- Sudden withdrawal may worsen angina (chest pain). However, if you experience chest pain, consult your doctor immediately.
- Keep track of your blood pressure by regularly monitoring it.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Also called high blood pressure, is a serious condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. This hardens the heart to pump blood. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked), stroke (brain damage) and kidney failure. Benazepril is used in treating hypertension and thus helps reduce further risk. The blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor called a sphygmomanometer.
FAQs
Benazepril is used to treat Hypertension.
Benazepril contains Benazepril, which belongs to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors class. It works by reducing the production of certain substances that cause an increase in blood pressure. This allows the blood to flow more smoothly and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
It is advised to continue your medicine even after your blood pressure is controlled or becomes normal, as it can shoot up at any time. If you have a persistent headache, please consult your doctor immediately.
If you miss a dose of Benazepril, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose, as it may lead to low blood pressure. Take one daily at the same time.
Take Benazepril as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Either in the morning or evening, before or after meals. But take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dose and frequency.
Yes, Benazepril can cause dizziness as a side effect. This is due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. To overcome this side effect take some rest, stay hydrated by drinking water. Do not drive or avoid activities that requires mental alertness, until you know how the medication effects you.
To manage high blood pressure while taking Benazepril, reduce salt intake, adopt a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress through stress-reducing activities, and maintain a healthy weight. These lifestyle changes can improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure complications.
Yes, Benazepril can increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalaemia). Especially if you have renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus. To manage this, you should avoid potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and broccoli, monitor your potassium levels in blood and inform your doctor immediately, if you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat.
Benazepril may cause dry cough, as a side effect in some people. Which usually disappears only after withdrawal or lowering of the dose of Benazepril has been reported. Therefore please consult your doctor they may suggest ways of managing the cough or may prescribe another medicine. Do not stop taking Benazepril without consulting your doctor as it may increase your blood pressure and causes other side effects.
There is no evidence that Benazepril has any effect on fertility in both men and women. However, please consult your doctor especially if you're planning to conceive or have any pre-existing fertility issues. This is because Benazepril is not recommended in pregnancy.
The common side effects of Benazepril are cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, light-headedness, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, chest pain, stomach pain, tiredness, and hoarseness. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
