Buy Lotensin Online

(Benazepril Hydrochloride)

The active ingredient in Lotensin is benazepril hydrochloride. After you take it, your body converts it to benazeprilat (the active form). It blocks an enzyme called ACE, which helps your body make angiotensin II (a chemical that tightens blood vessels). When ACE is blocked, blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help your heart work better, lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lotensin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lotensin:

• Lotensin is taken by mouth.
• Some people may take it once daily, while others may be advised to split the daily dose into two doses if blood pressure control fades near the end of the day.
• If you are already taking a diuretic, your prescriber may lower the starting dose or adjust the diuretic to reduce the chance of a large blood pressure drop after the first dose.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Some mild or common side effects of Lotensin include:

• Headache.
• Lightheadedness.
• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Cough.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lotensin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Life-threatening allergic reaction and angioedema. Symptoms include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Very low blood pressure (fainting, severe dizziness), especially after the first doses or if you are dehydrated or taking a diuretic.
• Liver problems such as hepatitis or cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes, loss of appetite).
• High potassium levels (may feel like irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or feeling unwell).
• Kidney problems or worsening kidney function (your clinician may check bloodwork such as serum creatinine).
• Fever, chills, or sore throat. These may be symptoms of an infection caused by low white blood cells.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lotensin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lotensin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Kidney disease.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Congestive heart failure.
• Liver disease or abnormal liver tests.
• Diabetes.
• Dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, salt restriction, or diuretic use, which can increase the chance of low blood pressure.
• Heart or blood vessel disease.
• Risk factors for high potassium (hyperkalemia) or another electrolyte imbalance, such as kidney problems, diabetes, or use of potassium-raising medicines and salt substitutes containing potassium.
• Upcoming surgery or anesthesia.

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to benazepril or any component of the product.
• History of angioedema, with or without prior ACE inhibitor treatment.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Rare hereditary problems like galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, because the tablets contain lactose.

The full, steady effect is usually reached after about 1 to 2 weeks of regular use.

When Lotensin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide may cause an excessive drop in blood pressure when starting Lotensin, especially if the diuretic was started recently.
• Agents that raise potassium (potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride; potassium supplements; other drugs such as cyclosporine or heparin; and potassium-containing salt substitutes): Can increase serum potassium because Lotensin lowers aldosterone.
• Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (other ACE inhibitors such as captopril or sacubitril, ARBs such as valsartan, losartan, or irbesartan, or aliskiren): Increases risk of low blood pressure, fainting (syncope), stroke, high potassium, and worsening kidney function (including kidney failure).
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including indomethacin) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of ACE inhibitors, and the combination can increase the risk of kidney impairment and hyperkalemia.
• Lotensin may increase lithium levels and raise the risk of lithium toxicity; closer monitoring of lithium levels is recommended.
• Drugs that may increase the risk of angioedema (such as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors or mTOR inhibitors like temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) may increase the risk of angioedema when combined with an ACE inhibitor.
• ACE inhibitors may reduce insulin resistance and, in isolated cases, may contribute to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); closer blood glucose monitoring is recommended.
• Injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) may cause a rare “nitritoid” reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure) when combined with ACE inhibitors.
• Probenecid may enhance the response to ACE inhibitors; dose adjustment may be needed.

Lotensin is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: 5 mg, 10mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, it is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs.

Do not stop Lotensin on your own. Talk with your prescriber first, because your blood pressure may go back up if you stop treatment. If you have a serious reaction like angioedema, stop the medication and seek urgent medical care.

Lotensin should not be used during pregnancy. If pregnancy is detected while taking Lotensin, stop the medication and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Minimal amounts of unchanged benazepril and of benazeprilat are found in breast milk.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.