LOTENSIN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING LOTENSIN.
BENAZEPRIL - ORAL (beh-NAZE-eh-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Lotensin
WARNING:
LOTENSIN can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six
months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using LOTENSIN and
immediately contact your physician.
USES:
LOTENSIN is an ACE inhibitor which prevents certain enzymes in the
body from constricting blood vessels. This helps to lower blood
pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. This medication is used
to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
HOW TO TAKE LOTENSIN:
Take LOTENSIN exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time
each day so you remember to take it. Can be taken without regard to
meals. Do not stop taking LOTENSIN without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to
continue taking LOTENSIN even if you feel well. Most people with
high blood pressure do not feel sick. Your doctor may schedule
periodic visits to check your blood pressure and do laboratory work
to see how effective the medication is.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, fatigue or cough may occur the
first few days as your body adjusts to benazepril. Notify your
doctor if these effects continue or become bothersome. To avoid
dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying
position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop chest
pain, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands or feet, mouth
sores, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing or a dry cough.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug,
seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney or liver
problems; certain rare autoimmune diseases such as lupus
erythematosus or scleroderma; diabetes, heart or circulation
problems and of any allergies you may have. This medicine may make
you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen
if you become sun-sensitive. Limit your intake of alcohol. Avoid
overheating because it can increase dizziness and lightheadedness.
Inform your doctor/dentist you use LOTENSIN before undergoing
medical/dental procedures. LOTENSIN should be used only when clearly
needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not
recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Benazepril passes
into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of
harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription
and nonprescription) especially if you take lithium, potassium
supplements, potassium-sparing water pills or anti-inflammatory
medicine (NSAID or Motrin-like drugs) because you may need to be
monitored more closely. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
dizziness and weakness.
NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while
taking LOTENSIN. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss
this with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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