INDICATIONS
Benazepril HCl is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
It may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics.
In using benazepril HCl, consideration should be given
to the fact that another angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitor, captopril, has caused agranulocytosis, particularly
in patients with renal impairment or collagen-vascular
disease. Available data are insufficient to show that
benazepril HCl does not have a similar risk (see WARNINGS).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended initial dose for patients not receiving
a diuretic is 10 mg once-a-day. The usual maintenance
dosage range is 20-40 mg per day administered as a single
dose or in two equally divided doses. A dose of 80 mg
gives an increased response, but experience with this
dose is limited. The divided regimen was more effective
in controlling trough (pre-dosing) blood pressure than
the same dose given as a once-daily regimen. Dosage adjustment
should be based on measurement of peak (2-6 hours after
dosing) and trough responses. If a once-daily regimen
does not give adequate trough response an increase in
dosage or divided in dosage or divided administration
should be considered. If blood pressure is not controlled
with benazepril HCl alone, a diuretic can be added.
Total daily doses above 80 mg have not been evaluated.
Concomitant administration of benazepril HCl with potassium
supplements, potassium salt substitutes, or potassium-sparing
diuretics can lead to increases of serum potassium (see
PRECAUTIONS).
In patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic,
symptomatic hypotension occasionally can occur following
the initial dose of benazepril HCl. To reduce the likelihood
of hypotension, the diuretic should, if possible, be discontinued
two to three days prior to beginning therapy with benazepril
HCl (see WARNINGS). Then, if blood pressure is not controlled
with benazepril HCl alone, diuretic therapy should be
resumed.
If the diuretic cannot be discontinued, an initial dose
of 5 mg benazepril HCl should be used to avoid excessive
hypotension.
Dosage Adjustment in Renal Impairment
For patients with a creatinine clearance <30 ml/min/1.73
m2 (serum creatinine >3 mg/dl), the recommended initial
dose is 5 mg benazepril HCl once daily. Dosage may be
titrated upward until blood pressure is controlled or
to a maximum total daily dose of 40 mg (see PRECAUTIONS,
Hemodialysis Patients).
HOW SUPPLIED
Lotensin is available in tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg,
and 40 mg. Each tablet is imprinted with “LOTENSIN”
on one side and the tablet strength (“5”,
“10”, “20”, or “40”)
on the other. Samples, when available, are identified
by the word SAMPLE on each tablet.
Storage: Do not store above 86°
F (30° C). Protect from moisture. Dispense in tight
container
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