Drug
Benazepril-Hydrochlorothiazide
Pronounced
"ben-AZ-e-pril/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide"
Uses
This medication is a combination of two drugs, an ACE inhibitor (benazepril) and a "water pill"/diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Benazepril works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The hydrochlorothiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, which decreases excess water and salt in your body. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Warning
This drug can cause serious harm to an unborn baby (possibly fatal) if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for heart failure.
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. If this medication causes you to urinate more often, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.
If you are also taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after either of those drugs.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs or several weeks to months when used for heart failure.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).