What is Benazepril? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medicine as directed. Doses may need to change at the start of therapy.

Tablets are taken once or twice daily, depending on the prescription.

Take benazepril tablets with food or on an empty stomach.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

Store benazepril tablets in a light-resistant container at room temperature protected from moisture.

Take a missed dose when it is remembered.

If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

Take the next dose at its regular time.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• A history of head and neck swelling (angioedema) that has no specific cause

• Known allergies to benazepril

It is not safe to take benazepril while pregnant. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Diabetes

• Heart or blood vessel disease.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking benazepril.

Regular doctor’s visits and blood tests are necessary to monitor the effects of benazepril therapy. Keep all appointments.

Benazepril can cause serious problems, including:

• Low blood pressure

• High potassium levels

• Angioedema (severe swelling)

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems and liver failure

This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much. The risk is greater if you are sweating, dehydrated, salt-depleted, or taking other blood pressure medications or diuretics. Tell the doctor if you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.

Do not stop using this medicine without talking to the prescriber, even if you feel well. You may need to start another medication to keep blood pressure in the normal range.

Do not use benazepril with:

• Aliskiren

• Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking, particularly:

• Other blood pressure medications, especially angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or other ACE inhibitors

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride

• Diabetes drugs, including insulin

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

• Everolimus, gold injections, lithium, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus 

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.