Home Drug Guide Benazepril Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Benazepril Hydrochloride

Brand Names Lotensin

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive

Pharmacological: ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hypertension
  • Heart failure (off-label)

Mechanism of Action

Benazepril inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initial dose: 10 mg once daily. Dose may be titrated based on response, up to a maximum of 40 mg per day.

Pediatric: Not generally approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: Start at lower dose; monitor renal function and electrolytes.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose accordingly; cautious titration.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment provided.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body fluids and tissues.

Metabolism: Partially hydrolyzed to active metabolite of benazaprilat.

Excretion: Renal and fecal routes.

Half Life: Approximately 10-11 hours.

Contraindications

  • History of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy.
  • Bilateral renal artery stenosis.

Precautions

  • Pregnancy (category D), Lactation, Renal impairment, Hepatic impairment, Patients taking other antihypertensives, Patients with electrolyte abnormalities

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Cough (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Fatigue (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Angioedema (Rare but serious)
  • Hyperkalemia (Less common)
  • Hypotension (Less common)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Diuretics, Other antihypertensives, Potassium supplements, Lithium, NSAIDs.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium.

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, renal function, serum electrolytes.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for decreased cardiac output
  • Risk for electrolyte imbalance
  • Risk for injury due to hypotension

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, monitor vitals, assess for side effects.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure response, monitor labs, and watch for adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication as directed, even if feeling well.
  • Rise slowly to prevent dizziness.
  • Report symptoms of angioedema, persistent cough, or hyperkalemia.
  • Avoid potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes as advised.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Pregnancy: Category D due to risk of fetal injury and death when used during pregnancy.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: May increase serum potassium and decrease renal function tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hypotension, dizziness, hyperkalemia.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, maintain airway, elevate legs, administer IV fluids, monitor electrolytes and renal function, use vasopressors if necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.