Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril (HYE droe KLOR oh THY a zide and ben AZ e pril)
Brand Names: Lotensin HCT
What is Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.
Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Benazepril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.
The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Vaseretic, Zestoretic) or benazepril (Lotensin), or if you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction).
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Vaseretic, Zestoretic) or benazepril (Lotensin), or if you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction).
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
glaucoma;
congestive heart failure;
lupus;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril. FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
How should I take Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet of moisture-absorbing preservative that comes with this medication.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness or feeling like you might pass out.
What should I avoid while taking Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
eye pain, vision problems;
high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
wheezing, trouble breathing.
Less serious side effects may include:
cough;
headache;
dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
nausea, constipation, upset stomach; or
mild skin rash, increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Lotensin HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril)?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
other diuretics (water pills) or blood pressure medications;
gold injections for arthritis;
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or
insulin or oral diabetes medication.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Lotensin HCT resources
- Lotensin HCT Side Effects (in more detail)
- Lotensin HCT Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Lotensin HCT Drug Interactions
- Lotensin HCT Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Lotensin HCT - Add your own review/rating
- Lotensin HCT Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Lotensin HCT Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Lotensin HCT MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Lotensin HCT with other medications
- High Blood Pressure
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril.
See also: Lotensin HCT side effects (in more detail)
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