Benazepril and Hydrochlorothiazide

Do not take benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately. Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide may harm the fetus.

The combination of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

The combination of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benazepril (Lotensin); hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Microzide, Oretic); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); sulfa drugs; any other medications; any other medications; or any ingredients in benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. .
• Some medications should not be taken with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide. Other medications may require dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• The following nonprescription products may interact with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); potassium supplements. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide. Do not start any of these medications while taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have or have ever had allergies; asthma; heart failure; diabetes; gout; high cholesterol; lupus; scleroderma; or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• cough
• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• drowsiness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• rash
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dry mouth
• thirst
• weakness
• lack of energy
• restlessness
• muscle pains or cramps
• infrequent urination
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Lotensin^® HCT