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lotensin

Lotensin (Benazepril Hydrochloride) is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

Benazepril Hydrochloride · by Validus Pharms

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate
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Key facts

Active ingredient
Benazepril Hydrochloride
Form
Tablet
Strength
Benazepril Hydrochloride 10MG · Benazepril Hydrochloride 20MG · Benazepril Hydrochloride 40MG · Benazepril Hydrochloride 5MG **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons**
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Validus Pharms
What the pharmacy pays
~$2.27 for 30 — not your price
FDA application
NDA019851

What is Lotensin?

From the FDA label:Benazepril hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble (> 100 mg/mL) in water, in ethanol, and in methanol. Its chemical name is benazepril 3-[[1-(ethoxy-carbonyl)-3­ phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1 H -1-(3S)-benzazepine-1-acetic acid monohydrochloride; its structural formula is Its empirical formula is C 24 H 28 N 2 O 5 •HCl, and its molecular weight is 460.96. Benazeprilat, the active metabolite of benazepril, is a non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Lotensin is supplied as tablets containing 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of benazepril hydrochloride for oral administration. The inactive ingredients are colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydrogenated castor oil (10 mg and 20 mg tablets), hypromellose, iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate (40 mg tablets), microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol (40 mg tablets), starch, talc, and titanium dioxide. Benazepril hydrochloride chemical structure

How to use

Adult Patients: Initiate with 10 mg once daily (or 5 mg if patients is on diuretic). Titrate to 40 mg daily based on blood pressure response. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients age 6 years and above with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 : Initiate with 0.2 mg/kg once daily. Maximum dose is 0.6 mg/kg once daily. Renal Impairment: Initiate with 5 mg once daily in patients with GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (serum creatinine >3 mg/dL) ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage ADULTS The recommended initial dose for patients not receiving a diuretic is 10 mg once a day. The usual maintenance dosage range is 20 to 40 mg per day administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. A dose of 80 mg gives an increased response, but experience with this dose is limited. The divided regimen was more effective in controlling trough (pre-dosing) blood pressure than the same dose given as a once-daily regimen. Use with diuretics in adults The recommended starting dose of Lotensin in a patient on a diuretic is 5 mg once daily. If blood pressure is not controlled with Lotensin alone, a low dose of diuretic may be added. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 6 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients is 0.2 mg/kg once per day. Titrate as needed to 0.6 mg/kg once per day. Doses above 0.6 mg/kg (or in excess of 40 mg daily) have not been studied in pediatric patients.…

Side effects

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Lotensin has been evaluated for safety in over 6000 patients with hypertension; over 700 of these patients were treated for at least one year. The overall incidence of reported adverse events was similar in Lotensin and placebo patients. The reported side effects were generally mild and transient, and there was no relation between side effects and age, duration of therapy, or total dosage within the range of 2 to 80 mg. Discontinuation of therapy because of a side effect was required in approximately 5% of U.S. patients treated with Lotensin and in 3% of patients treated with placebo. The most common reasons for discontinuation were headache (0.6%) and cough (0.5%). Adverse reactions seen in at least 1% greater frequency in patients treated with Lotensin than placebo were headache (6% vs. 4%), dizziness (4% vs. 2%), somnolence (2% vs. 0%) and postural dizziness (2% vs. 0%). Adverse reactions reported in controlled clinical trials (less than 1% more on benazepril than on placebo), and rarer events seen in post-marketing experience, include the following (in some, a causal relationship to drug use is uncertain):…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

When pregnancy is detected, discontinueLotensin as soon as possible. Drugs thatactdirectlyon the renin-angiotensin system can causeinjury and death to the developing fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribinginformation forcomplete boxed warning. When pregnancyis detected, discontinue Lotensin as soon as possible. ( 5.1 ) Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. ( 5.1 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Angioedema: Discontinue Lotensin and treat appropriately. ( 5.2 ) Monitor renal function periodically. ( 5.3 ) Monitor blood pressure after initiation. ( 5.4 ) Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium periodically. ( 5.5 ) Hepatic toxicity: Monitor for jaundice or signs of liver failure. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Fetal Toxicity Lotensin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Lotensin as soon as possible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 5.2 Angioedema and Anaphylactoid Reactions Angioedema Head and Neck Angioedema Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and/or larynx including some fatal reactions, have occured in patients treated with Lotensin. Patients with involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx are likely to experience airway obstruction, especially those with a history of airway surgery. Lotensin should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and monitoring should be provided until complete and sustained resolution of signs and symptoms of angioedema has occurred. Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor [see Contraindications (4) ] . ACE inhibitors have been associated with a higher rate of angioedema in Black than in non-Black patients. Patients receiving coadministration of ACE inhibitor and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) therapy or a neprilysin inhibitor may be at increased risk for angioedema [see Drug Interactions (7.7) ] . Intestinal Angioedema Intestinal angioedema has occurred in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there was no prior history of facial angioedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. In some cases, the angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan or ultrasound, or at surgery, and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Anaphylactoid Reactions Anaphylactoid Reactions During Desensitization Two patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera venom while receiving ACE inhibitors sustained life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. Anaphylactoid Reactions During Dialysis Sudden and potentially life threatening anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in some patients dialyzed with high-flux membranes and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. In such patients, dialysis must be stopped immediately, and aggressive therapy for anaphylactoid reactions must be initiated. Symptoms have not been relieved by antihistamines in these situations. In these patients, consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of antihypertensive agent. Anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported in patients undergoing low-density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate absorption. 5.3 Impaired Renal Function Monitor renal function periodically in patients treated with Lotensin. Changes in renal function, including acute renal failure, can be caused by drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system. Patients whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., patients with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, post- myocardial infarction, or volume depletion) may be at particular risk of developing acute renal failure on Lotensin. Consider withholding or discontinuing therapy in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function on Lotensin. 5.4 Hypotension Lotensin can cause symptomatic hypotension, sometimes complicated by oliguria, progressive azotemia, acute renal failure, or death. Patients at risk of excessive hypotension include those with the following conditions or characteristics: heart failure with systolic blood pressure below 100 mm Hg, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hyponatremia, high dose diuretic therapy, renal dialysis, or severe volume and/or salt depletion of any etiology. In such patients, follow closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dose of benazepril or diuretic is increased. Avoid use of Lotensin in patients who are hemodynamically unstable after acute MI. Surgery/Anesthesia In patients undergoing major surgery or during anesthesia with agents that produce hypotension, Lotensin may block angiotensin II formation secondary to compensatory renin release. If hypotension occurs, correct by volume expansion. 5.5 Hyperkalemia Serum potassium should be monitored periodically in patients receiving Lotensin. Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system can cause hyperkalemia. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia include renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and the concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and/or potassium-containing salt substitutes [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.6 Hepatic Failure ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and (sometimes) death. The mechanism of this syndrome is not understood. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up.

Who should not take Lotensin

Lotensin is contraindicated in patients: who are hypersensitive to benazepril or to any other ACE inhibitor with a history of angioedema with or without previous ACE inhibitor treatment Lotensin is contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril). Do not administer Lotensin within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan, a neprilysin inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Do not coadminister aliskiren with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, including Lotensin in patients with diabetes [see Drug Interactions (7.4) ] . Angioedema or history of hereditary or idiopathic angioedema ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4 ) Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Single oral doses of 3 g/kg benazepril were associated with significant lethality in mice. Rats, however, tolerated single oral doses of up to 6 g/kg. Reduced activity was seen at 1 g/kg in mice and at 5 g/kg in rats. Human overdoses of benazepril have not been reported, but the most common manifestation of human benazepril overdosage is likely to be hypotension, for which the usual treatment would be intravenous infusion of normal saline solution. Hypotension can be associated with electrolyte disturbances and renal failure. Benazepril is only slightly dialyzable, but consider dialysis to support patients with severely impaired renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. If ingestion is recent, consider activated charcoal. Consider gastric decontamination (e.g., vomiting, gastric lavage) in the early period after ingestion. Monitor for blood pressure and clinical symptoms. Supportive management should be employed to ensure adequate hydration and to maintain systemic blood pressure. In the case of marked hypotension, infuse physiological saline solution; as needed, consider vasopressors (e.g., catecholamines i.v.).

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Diuretics: Excessive drop in blood pressure ( 7.1 ) Antidiabetics: Increased risk of hypoglycemia ( 7.2 ) NSAIDS: Increased risk of renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive efficacy ( 7.3 ) Dual inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension and hyperkalemia ( 7.4 ) Lithium: Symptoms of lithium toxicity ( 7.6 ) Neprilysin Inhibitor: Increased risk of angioedema ( 7.7 ) Gold: Nitritoid reactions ( 7.8 ) 7.1 Diuretics Hypotension Patients on diuretics, especially those in whom diuretic therapy was recently instituted, may occasionally experience an excessive reduction of blood pressure after initiation of therapy with Lotensin. The possibility of hypotensive effects with Lotensin can be minimized by either discontinuing or decreasing the dose of diuretic prior to initiation of treatment with Lotensin [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. Hyperkalemia Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, and others) can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Therefore, if concomitant use of such agents is indicated, monitor the patient’s serum potassium frequently. Lotensin attenuates potassium loss caused by thiazide-type diuretics. 7.2 Antidiabetics Concomitant administration of Lotensin and antidiabetic medicines (insulins, oral hypoglycemic agents) may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. 7.3 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors) In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, coadministration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving benazepril and NSAID therapy. The antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, may be attenuated by NSAIDs. 7.4 Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Dual Blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on Lotensin and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not coadminister aliskiren with Lotensin in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with Lotensin in patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min). 7.5 Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Inhibitors Patients receiving coadministration of ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) therapy may be at increased risk for angioedema. Monitor for signs of angioedema [se e Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 7.6 Lithium Lithium toxicity has been reported in patients receiving lithium concomitantly with Lotensin. Lithium toxicity was usually reversible upon discontinuation of lithium or Lotensin. Monitor serum lithium levels during concurrent use. 7.7 Neprilysin Inhibitor Patients taking concomitant neprilysin inhibitors may be at increased risk for angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ]. 7.8 Gold Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy.

Foods & drinks to be careful with

Well-established interactions for this medicine’s drug class, summarized from public health authorities. General information, not medical advice — always confirm with your pharmacist or the label.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

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Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Lotensin treat?
Lotensin (Benazepril Hydrochloride) may be used to treat diabetic nephropathies, heart failure, hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How much does Lotensin cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $2.27 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Qbrelis — about $0.77 on the same basis.
Is there a coupon or discount for Lotensin?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lotensin. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Lotensin?
Lotensin is marketed by Validus Pharms. You can see Validus Pharms's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Lotensin a brand-name or generic drug?
Lotensin is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Benazepril Hydrochloride.
Is Lotensin available over the counter?
No. Lotensin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Lotensin come in?
Lotensin is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Lotensin?
Lotensin is classified as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Lotensin FDA-registered?
Lotensin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019851. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Lotensin been recalled by the FDA?
Lotensin has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Lotensin safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Lotensin. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Lotensin?
Lotensin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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