Lotensin HCT : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Do not take Lotensin HCT if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Lotensin HCT, call your doctor immediately. Lotensin HCT can harm the fetus.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Lotensin HCT (benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide) is used to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, making the blood flow more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medications called diuretics (‘water pills’). It works by causing the kidneys to remove unnecessary water and salt from the body into the urine.
High blood pressure is a common condition and, when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs can cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medications, making lifestyle changes will also help control blood pressure. These changes include eating a low-fat and low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising for at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
How should this medicine be used?
The Lotensin HCT (benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To remind you to take Lotensin HCT, take it at 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 Lotensin HCT exactly as directed. Do not take more or less or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Lotensin HCT control high blood pressure, but they do not cure it. Continue to take Lotensin HCT even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lotensin HCT without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Lotensin HCT,
- 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); sulfonamides; any other medication; any other medication; or any ingredient in Lotensin HCT 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 them within the past 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Lotensin HCT, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Lotensin HCT if you have diabetes and are also taking aliskiren.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cholestyramine (Prevalite); colestipol (Colestid); insulin; lithium (Lithobid); oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos); other diuretics (‘water pills’); other medications for high blood pressure; and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
- 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 going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lotensin HCT.
- You should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and fainting.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes that contain potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-sodium or low-salt diet or exercise program, follow these instructions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Lotensin HCT 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
Lotensin HCT may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit an online report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medicine in its container, tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medication take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local recycling / trash department to find out about return programs in your community. Check out the FDA drug safe disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as those for weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not resistant to children and young children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately put the medicine in a safe place, one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
In case of emergency/overdose
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 collapsed, had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or is unable to wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to Lotensin HCT. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Lotensin HCT.
Before having a laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Lotensin HCT.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important to keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in emergencies.
Brand Names
- Lotensin® HCT
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.