Lotensin (Benazepril)

What is Lotensin?

Lotensin is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

What is Lotensin used for?

Lotensin is indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Controlled blood pressure levels further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Lotensin work?

Lotensin works by easing the tensed and narrowed blood vessels and causing them to widen so that blood can flow into the heart easily.

How to use Lotensin

Take Lotensin the way it was prescribed by the doctor. Do not consume it for more than the recommended duration or quantity.

Consume Lotensin with only a full glass of water on an empty stomach or with a very light meal. The medicine is usually consumed once or twice daily (as directed by the doctor).Take Lotensin at the same time every day for best results.

Lotensin warnings and precautions

Do not take Lotensin if you are allergic to any of its ingredients in particular and to any other ACE inhibitors in general or if you have a certain allergic condition called angioedema.

Discuss with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have a medical history of kidney or liver diseases, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, collagen vascular disease like lupus or scleroderma, or have high level of potassium in the blood.

Use this medicine with caution if you are giving it to the elderly as they are more likely to be affected by it and develop muscle problems.

Do not get up or move about with a highly intense jump, jerk or make any kind of movement after you consume this medicine. Avoid intense exercise and heavy sweating. Drink a lot of water to replenish the lost body water.

Abstain from smoking and drinking as far as possible while you are under this medication. Do not undertake any task that requires attention and alertness after consuming this medicine.

If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, tell your doctor well in advance about the use of this medication.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take Lotensin at all as it is known to affect the unborn child and nursing infant alike.

What do I do if I have missed a Lotensin dose?

If you have missed a Lotensin dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Lotensin overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Lotensin, contact your doctor.

Lotensin interactions

Some medicines are known to interact when used in tandem with Lotensin. You must tell your doctor if you are using medicines like azathioprine, lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, celecoxib, indomethacin; trimethoprim-containing medications like sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene; gold injections, vaccinations for bees or wasp bites, quinolone antibiotic like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription, non prescription medicines or herbal concoctions that you are using. This will help him give you the dosage best suited for your medical condition.

Lotensin side effects

Common side effects from Lotensin like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, light headedness, dry cough, blurred vision or back pain can be experienced by you in the early stages of taking the medicine.

If you notice a change in the amount of urine or in color of the same, fever, chills and other flu symptoms with persistent sore throat, decreased sexual ability, fainting, dark urine, clayey stools, discontinue using Lotensin. These are rare but serious side effects of Lotensin.

Other Lotensin side effects include skin rash, breathing troubles, itching, severe swelling in the face, mouth, tongue, throat or lips, hives etc.