Lotensin HCT (Benazepril/Hctz)

Do’s

• Take Lotensin HCT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day.
• Take it with or without food.
• If the medication disrupts your sleep due to increased urination, take it at least 4 hours before bedtime.
• Take it consistently every day, even if you feel well.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are also taking cholestyramine or colestipol, as these medications can interfere with Lotensin HCT's absorption.
• Be patient with the treatment. It may take 2 weeks for full blood pressure control and several weeks or months for heart failure benefits.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your blood pressure readings remain high or worsen.

Don'ts

• Don't stop taking Lotensin HCT without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take more medication than prescribed.
• Don't take Lotensin HCT if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Don't take Lotensin HCT if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Dry cough
• Throat irritation
• Rash
• Swelling in the lips
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Salt/mineral loss
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Decreased urination

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face or throat
• Severe skin reactions including fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling
• Loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals
• Extreme thirst
• Very dry mouth
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• Confusion
• Decreased urination

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Lotensin hct, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to benazepril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors, or any of the medication's ingredients, to your healthcare provider.

Check your medical history, especially:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Allergic reactions causing swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
• Gout
• Lupus
• Asthma
• Skin cancer

It can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you know how it affects you.

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can worsen dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience these.

Lotensin HTC may affect your potassium levels. Consult your healthcare provider before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take before any surgery.

Lotensin HTC may increase sun sensitivity and the risk of skin cancer. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Tell your healthcare provider about any sunburn, skin blisters/redness, or new/changed moles.

Lotensin HTC may affect blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider.

Older adults may experience increased dizziness or changes in urine output (kidney problems).

Lotensin HTC can harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy while taking this medication. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

A small amount of Lotensin HTC passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.