Benazepril is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Benazepril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Benazepril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat) as Benazepril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Benazepril, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Benazepril with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or with certain medications for heart disease such as sacubitril.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
- immune system disease affecting the collagen e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- diabetes
- low salt or volume of circulating fluids in the body
- kidney disease or undergoing dialysis treatment
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Benazepril to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you will undergo apheresis (a medical procedure that involves blood collection) or desensitisation treatment to reduce allergic reaction to bee or wasp stings, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
If you are of a Black race, Benazepril may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests. You may also be advised to monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Benazepril may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased sweating, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and dry cough.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unable to pass urine, change in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine
- very bad dizziness or passing out
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Benazepril if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine containing sacubitril (medicine for long-term heart failure) in the last 36 hours.
Do not take this medicine with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, triamterene
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, metformin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. sirolimus
- medicines for cancer e.g. temsirolimus, everolimus
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- potassium supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Benazepril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Do not take salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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