Lotensin

Lotensin is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, used in a combination with other medications in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It must be used with caution, because of the possibility of heart and blood vessels damage, if this medication is used for a long time. Along with heart and blood vessels problems, there is also a possibility for kidney and brain damage, and all this could result in stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, blocking the substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. It may also be used to treat heart failure or to help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes. 

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Lotensin.

Before you start the treatment with Benazepril, make sure you get informed about the benefits, as well as about the potential side effects and risks. Before making the decision to start the treatment the rule – the benefits from its usage must outweigh the potential risks – must be followed. It is very important to inform your doctor about:

• Allergies – Make sure to inform your doctor about any allergic reactions that you may have to this medication (if used before) as well as to any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any allergic reactions that you have to any specific food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – There are studies that show that this medicine is not recommended to be used in children younger of 6 years. Also, there are no studies that show any specific risks connected to the age of the patients, when used in children 6 to 16 years of age.
• Geriatric – There are no studies that show that this medication is not safe to use in geriatric patients. However, the elderly patients are more likely to suffer from kidney problems, because of that the doctor may have to do some specific adjustments to the dosage.
• Pregnancy – Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. The studies show that there is a great risk to the infant, if this medicine is used during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding – Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding at the moment. There is a minimal risk to the baby if this medication is taken by nursing mothers.
• Drug interactions – Inform you doctor and healthcare professional about any other medications that you are using at the moment, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. If this medication is used in a combination with others there may be a risk and the combination may be considered for harmful, as some interactions may occur. Using Benazepril in a combination with any of the following medications is usually not recommended, but it is sometimes required: Azathioprine, Eprosartan, Losartan, Valsartan and many others. Also, using this medicine in a combination with any of the following may increase the risk of potential side effects, however any of those combination may prove as useful in the treatment, and it can be used if it is allowed by the doctor: Bromfenac, Bumetanide, Capsaicin, Clonixin, Dexibuprofen, Droxicam, Fenoprofen and many others.
• Other interactions – Some medicine should not be used in a combination with specific food, tobacco or alcohol. Consult your doctor if you need to follow any special diet during the treatment with Benazepril, as well as if it is advisable to use alcohol and tobacco.
• Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, any medical problems that you have had in the past and any medical problems that you have in the present. Especially, inform the doctor if you are suffering from: Angioedema, collagen vascular disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney problems, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, liver disease.

To use Lotensin properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

This medication is in the form of a tablet, used orally, as directed by the doctor. The dosage is directed by the doctor, according to your medical condition and the prognosis, as well as to the weight. The usual dose is one tablet, once or twice daily. Keep up with the schedule and remember to take the medication when needed. If it happens to miss a dose, do not double it to keep up. The best advice is to take it as soon as you remember, or if the time for the next dose is near, take the next one. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away. 

Before using Lotensin, there are some precautions you must take.

Before you start the treatment with Benazepril, remember to inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions, to any medications or food, fabric, dye and etc. Also, inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems, past of present. Along with this medication, the doctor may advise you to change your diet – in order to lower the level of sodium (salt) in your diet and decrease your weight. Make sure you visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments, so that he can check you condition and if it is required, adjustments may have to be made regarding the dosage. The usage of this medication may make you dizzy and lower the level of alertness, because of that driving or any kind of activities that require alertness should be avoided. When used within children, there is often the problem of swelling the tablet, because of that the doctor can prescribe a liquid form of this medication. 

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lotensin to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

As always, along with the beneficial effects, there is the possibility of potential side effect may occur. You need to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to recognize and report its presence to the doctor. After the side effects are detected, the doctor may decide to discontinue the use of Benazepril, make adjustment to the dosage or prescribe other medications which could help with the side effects.

• Less common side effects – Chills, dizziness, confusion, faintness, unusual weakness.
• More common – Diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, fever, nausea, problems with breathing, rapid weight gain, redness of the skin of the chest, face, hands, feet, sweating, joint or muscle pain and etc.

Other side effects may be present as well. As soon as you notice something unusual contact your doctor to make sure that everything is right on track. The side effects may pass in time as the body needs time to adjust to the presence of the medication.