Benazepril
About Benazepril
Benazepril is a prescription medication primarily used to lower high blood pressure. By maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, this medication helps prevent severe cardiovascular complications, such as strokes and heart attacks. In certain cases, healthcare providers may also prescribe it to help manage kidney issues related to diabetes.
To achieve the best results, you must take Benazepril consistently at the same time every day as directed by your doctor. This oral tablet can be taken with or without food, but keeping a daily routine helps maintain stable levels of the medicine in your body. Combining this treatment with lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet and regular physical activity, will significantly improve your blood pressure management.
While taking Benazepril, some people may experience mild side effects, including a dry cough, headaches, or lightheadedness. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms like severe dizziness, fainting, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver damage, heart problems, or diabetes. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious, life-threatening harm to an unborn baby.
This medication can interact with other blood pressure drugs, potassium supplements, and alcohol, which may cause your blood pressure to drop too low or increase potassium levels dangerously. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits before starting Benazepril.
Uses of Benazepril
Medicinal Benefits
Benazepril helps control high blood pressure and supports long-term cardiovascular health. With regular use as prescribed, it helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, protect vital organs, and reduce the risk of serious heart and blood vessel complications.
- Controls High Blood Pressure: By keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range, this medicine helps reduce the strain on your heart and blood vessels, supporting healthy circulation.
- Protects Vital Organs: Effective blood pressure control helps protect the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs from the long-term damage caused by uncontrolled hypertension.
- Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Complications: Regular use helps lower the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, supporting a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Directions for Use
- Benazepril can be taken with or without food, as food does not affect its absorption or effectiveness.
- Benazepril is usually taken once or twice a day; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Benazepril.
Storage
Side Effects of Benazepril
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- A persistent, dry, or tickling cough
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Headache
- Tiredness or unusual fatigue
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or limbs
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (signs of liver damage)
- Severe stomach pain, with or without nausea
- Fainting or severe lightheadedness
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Rise slowly: To prevent dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly and carefully from a sitting or lying position.
- Stay hydrated: Excessive sweating, diarrhoea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration, which may cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low. Contact your doctor if you experience severe fluid loss.
- Stop taking immediately if pregnant: This medicine can cause severe harm or death to an unborn baby. If you suspect you are pregnant, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.
- Inform your surgical team: Let your dentist, surgeon, or anesthesiologist know you are taking Benazepril prior to any surgery, as it can interact with anaesthetics.
- Monitor your first dose: Your blood pressure may drop significantly after your first dose. Consider taking your initial dose at bedtime if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing water pills: Combining these with Benazepril can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in your blood.
- NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen or naproxen): Regular use of these pain medications can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Benazepril and increase the risk of severe kidney damage.
- Other blood pressure medications: Taking multiple blood pressure drugs together can increase the risk of excessively low blood pressure and kidney complications.
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
- Limit your salt intake: High sodium levels cause your body to retain fluid, which raises blood pressure. Avoid adding extra salt to your meals and limit processed foods.
- Avoid potassium-based salt substitutes: Benazepril can cause your body to retain potassium. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting your doctor first.
- Stay active: Engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, as approved by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol can interact with Benazepril to cause extreme dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Track your blood pressure: Keep a daily log of your blood pressure readings at home and share them with your healthcare provider during checkups.
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.
No, you must not take Benazepril if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication can cause serious injury or even death to an unborn baby, especially when taken during the second and third trimesters. Talk to your doctor immediately about safer alternatives
It is highly recommended to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of Benazepril, which can lead to extreme dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
This is a medical emergency known as angioedema. Stop taking Benazepril immediately and seek emergency medical assistance. Do not wait to see if the swelling goes away on its own, as it can block your airway. Talk to your doctor for a safe alternative medication
You should consult your healthcare provider before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. These pain relievers can reduce the effectiveness of Benazepril and increase the risk of severe kidney damage. Talk to your doctor to find a safer pain relief option.
Yes, your doctor will likely schedule regular blood tests to check your kidney function and monitor the potassium levels in your blood. These routine checks help ensure the medication remains safe for your body. Talk to your doctor to set up a regular testing schedule.
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