DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Benazepril/Hydrochlorothiazide (ben-AY-ze-pril/high-droe-klor-oh-THIGH-uh-zide)
Brand Name: Lotensin HCT

This drug can cause serious fetal harm and possibly fetal death if used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop using Lotensin HCT and immediately contact your doctor.

Lotensin HCT is used for:

Treating high blood pressure.

Lotensin HCT is an angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination. It works to lower your blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the body and causing blood vessels to relax or widen.

Do NOT use Lotensin HCT if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lotensin HCT or any other sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole, glyburide, probenecid)
• you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue) or kidney artery narrowing, or are unable to urinate
• you are also taking dofetilide or ketanserin
• you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lotensin HCT :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lotensin HCT . Tell your doctor or pharmacist 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 skin problems, diabetes, bone marrow problems, blood vessel problems of the brain (eg, stroke), gout, high blood potassium levels, low blood sodium levels, heart disease, scleroderma, severe immune system problems, or lupus, or you are on a sodium-restricted diet
• if you have a history of allergies, asthma, liver problems, kidney artery narrowing, kidney transplant, or decreased kidney function (you are on dialysis)
• if you are scheduled to have major surgery or to receive anesthesia

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lotensin HCT . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Celecoxib or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because they may decrease Lotensin HCT 's effectiveness
• ACE inhibitors (eg, enalapril), indomethacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) because side effects, such as increased risk for kidney dysfunction, may occur
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), dextran sulfate, diazoxide, or narcotic pain medicine (eg, codeine) because side effects, such increased risk for low blood pressure, may occur
• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), digitalis glycosides (eg, digoxin), dofetilide, insulin, ketanserin, lithium, muscle relaxants (eg, methocarbamol), potassium preparations, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene), sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), or thiopurines (eg, azathiopurine) because the risk of their side effects 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.

How to use Lotensin HCT :

Use Lotensin HCT as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Lotensin HCT by mouth with or without food.
• If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Lotensin HCT .
• Take Lotensin HCT regularly to receive the most benefit from it.
• Taking Lotensin HCT at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Lotensin HCT even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• 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 .

Important safety information:

• Lotensin HCT may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. 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 possibly 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.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it..
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Lotensin HCT and avoid engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating. Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.
• A persistent, unproductive cough may occur. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.
• 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 not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lotensin HCT before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lotensin HCT may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lotensin HCT . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• LAB TESTS, including blood electrolytes, blood pressure, blood cell counts, and kidney function, 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.
• Use Lotensin HCT with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Lotensin HCT should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in 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 breast-feed while taking Lotensin HCT .

Possible side effects of 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:

Coughing; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; persistent nonproductive cough; tiredness; vomiting.

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); difficulty swallowing; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; muscle cramps; muscle weakness; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; 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 or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fainting; weakness.

Proper storage of Lotensin HCT :

Store Lotensin HCT at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Lotensin HCT out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lotensin HCT , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Lotensin HCT is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lotensin HCT . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.