Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
The combination of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide is employed for the management of high blood pressure. Benazepril falls into the category of medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Its mechanism involves reducing specific chemicals that constrict blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of diuretics, commonly referred to as ‘water pills.’ Its function revolves around prompting the kidneys to eliminate surplus water and salt from the body through urine.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, with or without food, as per your doctor’s instructions, usually once daily. To maximize its effectiveness, adhere to a consistent schedule, taking it at the same time each day.
Stay adequately hydrated to prevent dehydration. If your fluid intake is restricted, seek guidance from your doctor for specific instructions.
The prescribed dosage is contingent on your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment. For high blood pressure management, it might take up to 2 weeks to experience the full benefits of the medication, while treating heart failure may require several weeks to months.
Continue taking this medication even if you feel well; often, individuals with high blood pressure may not exhibit symptoms.
If you’re concurrently using cholestyramine or colestipol, ensure a time gap of at least 4 hours before or after taking benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide in relation to these drugs.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- cough
- dizziness
- excessive tiredness
- drowsiness
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- 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
Caution
- Prior to taking benazepril with hydrochlorothiazide, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies, especially to ACE inhibitors like captopril or lisinopril, or any other allergies, including reactions to certain blood filtering membranes. This product might contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a history of angioedema (swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat) due to an allergic reaction, severe loss of body fluids, mineral/electrolyte imbalances, gout, lupus, asthma, or skin cancer.
- This medication may induce dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana can exacerbate these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- Be cautious about your potassium levels. Prior to using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medication may heighten sun sensitivity and increase the risk of skin cancer, especially with prolonged use. Restrict sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen with protective clothing. Notify your doctor if you experience sunburn, skin blisters/redness, or observe new or changed moles/skin lesions.
- For individuals with diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide may impact blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar regularly and inform your doctor of any symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects, particularly dizziness and changes in urine output.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while using this medication, as benazepril may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, promptly discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- A minimal amount of this drug passes into breast milk with no reported harm to nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Lotensin HCT is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Lotensin HCT tablet:
- 10 / 12.5 mg
- benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide tablet:
- 10 /12.5 mg
- 20 /12.5 mg
- 20 /25 mg
FAQ
Does Lotensin HCT cause weight loss?
Lotensin HCT is not a weight loss medication. The hydrochlorothiazide that is in this combo medication causes you to urinate more to get rid of extra fluid in your body. This can cause weight loss, but this is water weight and not fat loss.
When is the best time of day to take Lotensin HCT?
Because Lotensin HCT contains a diuretic, it is usually better to take it during the day to avoid waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/lotensin-hct/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benazepril-and-hydrochlorothiazide-oral-route/description/drg-20069142
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601025.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16169/lotensin-hct-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/lotensin-hct.html
