Benazepril Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Benazepril (Lotensin) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that’s FDA approved to treat high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
The typical starting dosage of benazepril for adults is 10 mg once daily. From there, your healthcare provider may raise your dose up to a maximum of 80 mg daily if needed. If you’re taking a diuretic (“water pill”) or have kidney problems, a lower benazepril dosage is recommended.
For children, the benazepril dosage is based on body weight and starts at 0.2 mg per kg. A compounded liquid form of benazepril is available for more accurate dosing for kids. It’s also an option if you or your child are unable to swallow tablets.
Benazepril is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Table of contents
Treating high blood pressure reduces your risk for strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. And angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are often a first-choice treatment option.
Benazepril (Lotensin) is a commonly prescribed ACE inhibitor that’s FDA approved for high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. Below, we’ll review the typical benazepril dosages to help you get the most from your medication. Keep in mind that your dose may be different than what’s described below. Your healthcare provider will help find the best dosage for you based on your personal medical history.
What’s the typical benazepril dosage for adults?
The benazepril dosage for adults depends on whether or not you’re taking it with a diuretic. Diuretics, also known as “water pills,” are another type of medication that helps manage high blood pressure. They’re often prescribed in combination with other blood pressure treatments.
Benazepril without a diuretic
Benazepril’s recommended starting dosage for adults is 10 mg by mouth once daily. From there, your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication. Most people need 20 mg to 40 mg of benazepril daily to manage their blood pressure. The maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg per day.
You can take benazepril once daily or you can divide the daily dose in half and take it twice a day. Splitting benazepril into two doses may help manage your blood pressure more consistently throughout the day.
Benazepril with a diuretic
In some cases, benazepril on its own may not be enough to control your blood pressure. So your provider may combine it with a diuretic. In fact, benazepril is available along with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide in a combination pill under the brand name Lotensin HCT.
If you’re already taking a diuretic when you start taking benazepril, a lower starting dosage of 5 mg once daily is recommended.
If benazepril alone isn’t managing your blood pressure, your provider may add a low-dose diuretic to your current dosage.
What’s the typical benazepril dosage for children?
Benazepril dosages for children ages 6 and over are based on body weight. The recommended starting dosage of benazepril for children is 0.2 mg per kg of body weight once daily. From there, your child’s healthcare provider may raise the dose up to a maximum of 0.6 mg per kg of body weight or 40 mg daily.
What forms does benazepril come in?
Benazepril is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg oral tablets.
Benazepril doesn’t come in a liquid form, but the manufacturer provides a recipe your pharmacist can use to turn the tablets into a liquid suspension. The liquid form makes it easier to measure weight-based doses that aren’t available as a tablet. But it can also be handy if you or your child have trouble swallowing tablets. Your provider can write your prescription for the compounded liquid and let you know where you can have it made.
Compounded benazepril liquid contains 2 mg per mL of liquid. It should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) and you should shake it well before each use. The liquid is only good for 30 days from the day it’s made. So you may want to plan to pick up your prescription the same day your pharmacist compounds it for you.
Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?
If you have kidney problems, it may take longer for your body to clear benazepril. This can raise benazepril levels in your body and make you more likely to experience side effects.
If you have severe kidney problems, a lower starting benazepril dosage of 5 mg daily is recommended. And it’s not recommended to take more than 40 mg daily. Your provider will likely check your kidney function before you start taking benazepril and every so often while you’re taking it. This will help them identify any problems and address them if needed.
What happens if you miss a dose of benazepril?
Life can get busy, and everyone forgets to take their medication now and then. If you realize you've missed a dose of benazepril, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t take two doses at the same time.
Taking benazepril at the same time(s) every day is not only helpful for managing your blood pressure, it’s also a good way to build a habit that helps you remember to take it. If you’re having difficulty remembering to take your medication, you may want to try a reminder app on your phone. Many free options are available. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider may also be able to suggest other strategies to help.
What should you do if you take too much benazepril?
Taking an extra dose of benazepril is unlikely to cause serious problems. You may experience more side effects, such dizziness or low blood pressure.
Large doses of benazepril may lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, but aren’t likely to be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood pressure include blurry vision, dizziness, and weakness.
If you or your child takes too much benazepril, contact your healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They can evaluate your symptoms and let you know what steps to take.
How to save on benazepril
Benazepril is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic benazepril’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $10.00 per month with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Benazepril (Lotensin) is a medication used to manage high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. The typical starting benazepril dosage for adults is 10 mg once a day. Your healthcare provider may raise the dose from there up to a maximum of 80 mg daily if needed. If you’re taking a diuretic or have kidney problems, a lower benazepril dosage is recommended.
The benazepril dosage for children is based on body weight and starts at 0.2 mg per kg of body weight daily. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a compounded liquid form of benazepril for your child for more accurate dosing. It’s also an option if you or your child have trouble swallowing tablets.
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References
A-S Medication Solutions. (2023). Benazepril hydrochloride tablet, coated [package insert].
MedlinePlus. (2017). Benazepril.
National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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