Benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction

Benazepril (ben-AY-ze-pril), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure (hypertension). This medicine is a combination of an ACE inhibitor and a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s)

Lotensin HCT

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benazepril or hydrochlorothiazide. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or to other ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, or if you have problems urinating.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other blood pressure medicine or diuretics ("water pills") such as spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride, or Aldactone®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to lower your cholesterol such as cholestyramine (Questran®) or colestipol (Cholestid®). Tell your doctor if you use, lithium, insulin or diabetes medicine such as insulin. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using narcotic pain relievers, phenobarbital, or other sedatives.
• Do not use potassium tablets or salt substitutes that contain potassium, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, if you have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or lupus. Tell your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, gout, or any allergy.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin.
• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision, headache.
• Change in your voice.
• Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach.
• Cough.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Problems with sex.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.