LOTENSIN HCT (LOTENSIN) INDICATIONS
Lotensin Hct is used for treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines. Lotensin Hct is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by decreasing a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax (dilate), which lowers blood pressure.
LOTENSIN HCT (LOTENSIN) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Lotensin Hct as directed by your doctor.
- Take Lotensin Hct by mouth with or without food.
- Taking Lotensin Hct at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking Lotensin Hct. Not drinking enough fluids or excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to lightheadedness or fainting.
- If you miss a dose of Lotensin Hct, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lotensin Hct.
LOTENSIN HCT (LOTENSIN) STORAGE
Store Lotensin Hct at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lotensin Hct out of the reach of children and away from pets.
LOTENSIN HCT (LOTENSIN) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Benazepril hydrochloride.
Do NOT use Lotensin Hct if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Lotensin Hct or to any other ACE inhibitor (eg, lisinopril)
- you have a history of angioedema (eg, swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness)
- you are pregnant.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Lotensin Hct. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have or have ever had liver or kidney problems, kidney transplantation, or diabetes
- if you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), scleroderma or a collagen vascular disease (ask your doctor if you are not sure), bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood pressure, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, or narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain, or if you are dehydrated
- if you are scheduled to have surgery or to receive anesthesia or kidney dialysis.
Some medicines may interact with Lotensin Hct. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Dextran sulfate or thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of serious damage to the kidney (eg, decreased urine output, weight gain) may be increased
- Lithium because the risk of toxic side effects (eg, tiredness; confusion; slurred speech; muscle tremors, spasms, weakness, or involuntary movements; seizures; loss of consciousness; coma) may be increased by Lotensin Hct
- Indomethacin because it may decrease Lotensin Hct's effectiveness
- Insulin or oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because the risk of side effects, including low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Lotensin Hct
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) or potassium supplements because the risk of side effects, including high blood potassium levels resulting in listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of limbs, slow or irregular heartbeat, or stopping of the heart, may be increased
- Certain gold-containing medicines (eg, sodium aurothiomalate) because flushing, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure may occur
- Thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects (eg, a low white blood cell count, increase in infections) may be increased by Lotensin Hct.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lotensin Hct may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Lotensin Hct may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lotensin Hct with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Lotensin Hct may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Lotensin Hct may cause a dry, unproductive cough. This symptom usually stops after treatment with Lotensin Hct is stopped.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lotensin Hct before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Diabetes patients - Lotensin Hct may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Lotensin Hct. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Lotensin Hct should not be used in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lotensin Hct may cause fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Lotensin Hct is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Lotensin Hct.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cough; dizziness, especially when standing; headache; nausea; sleepiness; tiredness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; chills; fainting; fever; hoarseness; irregular or slow heartbeat; lightheadedness; sore throat; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.