LOTENSIN (BENAZEPRIL)

What is Lotensin?

Lotensin belongs to the class of medications known as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. It is prescription strength medication that is used to treat mild to moderately high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Lotensin comes as an oral tablet, either in its brand name form or in its generic form under the name Benazepril. You must obtain a valid prescription to buy Lotensin.

Your blood pressure may vary at different times of the day. It is usually higher when you first wake up, after you exercise, or when you are under stress. Having higher blood pressure for short periods of time is normal, but if your blood pressure stays high most of the time, it can lead to serious health problems. This condition can strain your entire cardiovascular system and potentially cause a heart attack or stroke if left untreated. Lotensin or Benazepril generic may be prescribed along with diuretics (water pills) when one type of medication does not adequately control blood pressure.

Lotensin Reduces Heart Attack Risk

As your heart beats, it pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of your body. When the blood pushes harder against the walls of your arteries, your blood pressure goes up. Lotensin works by relaxing or widening blood vessels that have become constricted because of your body’s natural angiotensin-converting enzymes. This allows a proper blood flow so your heart is not working as hard to pump blood throughout your body.

Conditions Treated by Lotensin

Hypertension is usually diagnosed during a routine medical exam, as it typically does not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Factors that can contribute to hypertension include your age, diet, lack of exercise, stress, obesity, sleep apnea and excessive alcohol consumption. Your doctor may recommend blood pressure-lowering lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and healthy eating in addition to medication such as Benazepril.

Lotensin or Benazepril may also be prescribed to treat congestive heart failure and chronic renal failure, or to prevent kidney damage in patients with diabetes.

Before You Start Taking Lotensin

Ask your doctor if you can still take Lotensin if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or are breast feeding. Your doctor should know if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or a history of heart disease before you start taking Lotensin. Explain other health issues you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs, herbal remedies, and any supplements you currently take or use to be certain whether Lotensin will be compatible.

Proper Use of Lotensin

Until you know how Lotensin will affect you, use caution working around machinery or operating a vehicle. You should avoid excessive alcohol or salt consumption during treatment with Lotensin, as failure to do so may lead to serious side effects. Sleeping aids or hormonal birth control pills may interfere with the efficacy of Lotensin, and should only be taken as per your doctor’s instructions.

Possible Lotensin Side Effects

• Coughing
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Nausea

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following more serious side effects: changes in vision; swelling in hands or feet; unexplained weight gain; muscle pains or cramps.