Lotensin (benazepril) is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). According to Drugs.com, Lotensin belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It prevents the angiotensin-converting enzyme from constricting your blood vessels, reducing blood pressure significantly. Typically, you will take 10mg of Lotensin daily or as your physician prescribes.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 964 patients receiving Lotensin, the National Library of Medicine found that 6.2 percent developed a headache, 3.6 percent had dizziness, 2.4 percent experienced fatigue, 1.6 percent experienced drowsiness and 1.5 percent experienced postural dizziness (a spinning sensation with changes in position). Additionally, 1.3 percent had nausea and 1.2 percent developed a cough. Inform your doctor if these symptoms do not subside within three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
Potentially life-threatening side effects include chest pain, as well as head, neck and intestinal angioedema (swelling). Chest pain is typically an indication of heart ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart). Prolonged chest pain may lead to death. The National Library of Medicine says that head and neck angioedema involves swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat and face, while intestinal angioedema involves stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Lotensin can also cause fever, chills, body aches, skin blistering, swelling, weight gain and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice, which is usually an indication of liver problems). Phone your physician when these symptoms crop up; she may discontinue Lotensin or change its dose.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Lotensin if you are hypersensitive to benazepril. Serious side effects like trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your throat and face may develop.
Drugs.com says that you should inform you doctor if you have liver, kidney, diabetes, heart or connective tissue diseases. Lotensin may exacerbate these conditions.
Lotensin can cause birth defects and harm your nursing baby. Do not take Lotensin if you are nursing or pregnant.
Avoid combining Lotensin with gold injections, lithium, insulin or diuretics. The combination may cause the aforementioned effects.
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