Benazepril is a medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure). According to MedlinePlus, it belongs to a category of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and prevents the angiotensin-converting enzyme (natural chemical in the body) from constricting the blood vessels. People typically take 10 mg of benazepril daily. The doctor adjusts the dosage according to blood pressure readings.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, benazepril may cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness and cough. In a placebo-controlled study, the National Library of Medicine reported headache in 6.2 percent of patients taking benazepril, dizziness in 3.6 percent and fatigue in 2.4 percent, as well as drowsiness, dizziness with changes in position, nausea and cough in lower percentages. These symptoms should not be especially troublesome, but patients should notify their physician if they don't disappear after three days.
Serious Side Effects
Benazepril can cause such life-threatening side effects as trouble breathing, dysphagia, neutropenia and intestinal angioedema. Patients with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing, which can lead to choking on food and their own saliva. In neutropenia, numbers of neutrophils (specialized white blood cells that defend the body) are low, so the patient is susceptible to all sorts of infections, and a minor cold can be potentially fatal. Blood is drawn so the doctor can check neutrophil count. Intestinal angioedema refers to swelling of the intestines, which adversely affects food absorption. Signs of this condition include stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. MedlinePlus indicates benazepril can also cause light-headedness and fainting spells, typically as a result of low blood pressure (hypotension). Benazepril may cause jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), which can be a harbinger of a serious liver disease. Patients with any of these side effects should go to a hospital.
Rare Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, a few of the rare side effects of benazepril are Stevens-Johnson syndrome, photosensitivity, melena (black stools) and pancreatitis. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious skin condition characterized by a severe rash and skin peeling. A doctor may prescribe pain relievers or refer the patient to a surgeon for skin grafting. Patients with photosensitivity should take measures to protect themselves from exposure to the sun. Melena can be a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas. Patients with any of these symptoms should get immediate medical attention.
Other Concerns
An allergic response to benazepril may include hives, trouble breathing and edema (swelling) of the face, tongue or lips. These effects warrant immediate medical help. Additionally, the National Library of Medicine says benazepril can cause fetal death; women who are or may be pregnant must not take it. Infants exposed to benazepril through breast milk can develop low blood pressure and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Persons on amiloride, triamterene, azathioprine, eplerenone or spironolactone should not take benazepril.
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