Benazepril, an ACE Inhibitor Drug

Uses

The drug is prescribed to treat Hypertension (high blood pressure). In addition, it helps to prevent heart attacks, strokes and congestive heart failure.

IUPAC Name: 2-[(3S)-3-[[(2S)-1-ethoxy-1-oxo-4-phenylbutan-2-yl] amino]-2-oxo-4,5-dihydro-3H-1-benzazepin-1-yl] acetic acid

Drug Class: ACE Inhibitor

Route of administration: Oral 

This drug is a prescribed drug and not an OTC Drug

Drug Action Mechanism 

• This medication is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict.
• It functions by the relaxation of blood vessels (i.e., arteries and veins) and by lowering heart pressure, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump blood more efficiently.      

Side Effects

Benazepril side effects include dizziness, coughing, exhaustion, nausea, hypotension (decreased blood pressure), and elevated potassium levels.

Warning

Avoid using this medication if the person is pregnant. Consult a doctor if the person becomes pregnant while taking this drug as it might damage the developing fetus.

Precautions

Before using this medication, follow these precautions and notify a doctor.

• If the person is allergic to the drug or other ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril, lisinopril, captopril, ramipril, and moexipril), or if the person has other allergies,
• If the person is taking any other medication i.e., prescribed, non-prescribed, or any herbal medications,
• If the person is suffering from any cardiac disease, hepatic disease, renal disease, hypotension (low blood pressure), diabetes, angioedema, scleroderma, lupus or a high blood potassium level, 
• The potassium levels might be high if the person uses this medication. Avoid potassium-rich substitutes, 
• If the person has undergone any type of surgery i.e., eye or dental surgery,
• While taking this medication, limit alcohol usage since it increases the chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness, 
• The person should be aware that dehydration, vomiting, excessive perspiration and diarrhoea can lower blood pressure which leads to dizziness, 
• Avoid abruptly discontinuing this medication without any doctor consultation,
• The adverse effects of this medication may affect elder people more severely.
• Consult the doctor if the person is pregnant and breastfeeding.