benazepril / HCTZ

Benazepril in Lotensin HCT can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies, so it shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide), stop and let your prescriber know right away. If you're pregnant before starting Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your healthcare professional (HCP) about safer options to treat your blood pressure.

People who take medications that contain an ACE inhibitor, like benazepril in Lotensin HCT, can experience a rare, but serious side effect called angioedema. This involves swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, and tongue. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be potentially life-threatening, since it can make it difficult to breathe. Angioedema can happen at any time during treatment. This risk is higher in Black people than in non-Black people. Get medical attention immediately if you experience swelling in any of the areas mentioned above, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. You'll have to stop taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) if this happens.

Sometimes, taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) or when the dose is raised. Make sure to stay well-hydrated. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your care team know. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide), contact your prescriber.

Sometimes, Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect your kidneys and cause them to not work as well. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis or very severe heart failure. Your prescriber might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. If you develop kidney problems, or if your kidney problems worsen while taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide), your prescriber might recommend that you stop taking this medication. Let your prescriber know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

Rarely, people who took ACE inhibitors like benazepril in Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) have developed a blocked bile duct. This condition can lead to liver problems or liver failure. Your prescriber might order blood tests to check your liver health from time to time. If you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin, let your care team know right away.

Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Your prescriber might order blood work regularly while you're taking this medication to make sure your electrolyte levels are in a safe range. Let your care team know if you experience a fast heart beat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, less urination than usual, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.

Though rare, some people experience vision changes within hours or weeks after starting Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) because of the hydrochlorothiazide part of the medication. Tell your prescriber right away about any vision changes or eye pain and stop taking Lotensin HCT (benazepril / hydrochlorothiazide) as soon as possible. In some cases, surgery might be required to avoid permanent vision loss.