Benazepril is a medication in the drug family of ACE inhibitors. ACE, or angiotensin-converting enzyme,helps the body constrict blood vessels and maintaining blood pressure. Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure, chronic renal failure and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors are usually very well tolerated by patients; however, there are a few common side effects.
Cough
A dry cough is common in patients who are on benazepril, occurring in about 10 percent of patients, according to "Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology." Patients who develop this dry cough can often be successfully treated with another medication instead of benazepril.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a possible side effect for nearly any medication, including benazepril. Anaphylaxis happens soon after taking the medication. It is a severe allergic reaction in which an individual may develop a rapid pulse,shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and have the sensation that his airway is closing up on him. It is potentially life-threatening if there is not immediate medical attention.
Angioedema
Angioedema is an allergic condition. Fluid builds up in the tissues of the body, including the lips and other mucous membranes of the mouth. There can be painful and itchy welts or swollen areas that occur on any part of the body, but most commonly around the eyes, lips, hands, feet and throat. It is a rare side effect of benazepril, but it can be life-threatening if it occurs.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia refers to a state of elevated blood potassium. Patients typically will not know if they have elevated levels of blood potassium, because there are often no symptoms. Possible symptoms, when they occur, can include muscle fatigue, weakness, inability to move an extremity, abnormal heart rhythms and nausea. Physicians will monitor the blood levels of potassium routinely for patients on benazepril.
Side Effects for Pregnant Women
ACE inhibitors including benazepril are harmful to the developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. Benazepril can cause congenital malformations, death, and abnormalities in the amount of amniotic fluid. Even after birth, physicians advise women not to take benazapril while breastfeeding.
References
- Epocrates: Benazepril
- "Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology (3rd ed)"; Dr Richard Howland, Dr Mary Mycek; 2006.
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