benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT)

LotensinHCTis a combination of twodrugs,benazeprilandhydrochlorothiazide. Benazepril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used for treatinghigh blood pressure. OtherACE inhibitorsincludeenalapril(Vasotec),quinapril(Accupril),captopril(Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril),ramipril(Altace),moexipril(Univasc) andtrandolapril(Mavik). ACE is an enzyme in the body which is important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating官网地址bwin. ACE inhibitors (for example, benazepril) lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but the lower blood pressure also reduces theheart's work and improves the output of blood from the heart in patients withheart failure.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic (water pill) used for treatinghigh blood pressure(hypertension) and accumulation of fluid. It works by blocking salt and fluid reabsorption in the kidneys, causing increased output of salt and water in the urine (diuresis). The mechanism of its action in loweringhigh blood pressureis not well understood.

The combination of benazepril and HCTZ reduces blood pressure better than either drug alone. Lotensin was approved by the FDA in May 1992.

What brand names are available for benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide?

Lotensin HCT

Is benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide available as a generic drug?

一般可用:是的

Do I need a prescription for benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide?

Yes

Lotensin HCT has side effects of its individual components. The most common side effects are:

• dizziness,
• fatigue,
• low blood pressure,
• rash,
• muscle pain,
• stomach upset,
• sexual dysfunction, and
• decreased or increased potassium blood levels.

A dry, persistentcoughhas been reported with the use of benazepril and other ACE inhibitors.Coughingresolves after discontinuing the medication.

In rare instances,liverdysfunction and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE inhibitors. Benazepril should not be taken by people with a knownallergyto ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, and can lead to seriousbreathingdifficulties.

Benazepril may reduce kidney function in some patients and should not be used by patients who have bilateralrenal artery stenosis(narrowing of both arteries supplying the kidneys). Rare cases ofrhabdomyolysis(muscle breakdown), reduced number of platelets, andpancreatitishave been reported. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase blood glucose levels.

The dose of Lotensin HCT is tailored to the patient's needs. The recommended dose when switching from benazepril or hydrochlorothiazide to Lotensin HCT is 10 mg/12.5 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased every 2 to 3 weeks, and the maximum dose is 20 mg /25 mg.

Combining benazepril with potassiumsupplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such asamiloride(Moduretic),spironolactone(Aldactone), andtriamterene(Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium.

Combining benazepril or other ACE inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, includingkidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.

There have been reports thataspirinand other NSAIDs such asibuprofen(Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin,Nuprin, PediaCareFever, and many others),indomethacin(Indocin,Indocin-SR), andnaproxen(Anaprox,Naprelan,Naprosyn,Aleve) may reduce the effects of ACE inhibitors.

When taken withlithium(Eskalith,Lithobid), benazepril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood.

Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing,nausea,vomiting, andhypotension) may occur when injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate), used in the treatment ofrheumatoid arthritis, is combined with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces the elimination of lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) by the kidneys and can lead to lithium toxicity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Bloodsugarlevels can be elevated by HCTZ necessitating adjustments in the doses of medications that are used for treatingdiabetes.

Combining HCTZ withcorticosteroidsmay increase the risk for low levels of blood potassium and otherelectrolytes. Low blood potassium can increase the toxicity ofdigoxin(Lanoxin).Cholestyramine(Questran,Questran Light) andcolestipol(Colestid) bind to hydrochlorothiazide and reduce its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract by 43% to 85%.

When used in the second orthird trimesterofpregnancyACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Lotensin HCT should not be used during pregnancy.

贝那普利和HCTZ都排泄breast milkand may potentially affectnursinginfants.

What preparations of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide are available?

Tablets (mg benazepril/mg HCTZ); 5/6.25, 10/12.5, 20/12.5, and 20/25.

How should I keep benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide stored?

Lotensin HCT should be stored at 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) and be protected from excessive light and humidity. It should be kept in a tight, light-resistant container.