Benazepril is often used to treat hypertension in adults and older children, and works by allowing the blood vessels to relax so that blood can flow with less resistance. It should be noted that this medication is not to be used during pregnancy since it can be fatal to the fetus, meaning that pregnancy-induced hypertension should be treated by alternative drugs. The most common side effects of benazepril include a dry cough, dizziness, and nausea. It comes in the form of a tablet that should be taken at the same time everyday with plenty of fluids.
Patients taking this medication may be frequently monitored by a doctor, as hypertension often shows no symptoms. Therefore, it is considered important to keep appointments, during which the blood pressure should be checked so that it can be determined whether benazepril is working properly. While it only typically comes in tablet form, patients who cannot swallow large pills, such as children, may request that their doctor prepare a suspension of this medication. While it does not have to be taken with food, it is advised that patients take it with water to reduce the chances of certain side effects from occurring.
Though benazepril is useful in lowering blood pressure in many people, it is considered dangerous for some. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this medication since it can put the baby at risk. In fact, children under age six are not typically eligible for this treatment since it has not yet been confirmed as effective or safe for young kids. Since benazepril may change the blood sugar, diabetic patients are advised to closely monitor their glucose levels during treatment, while those with liver or kidney problems should usually let their doctor know before taking this medication. Finally, patients who have a history of angioedema, which often causes swelling of the face and hands, should not typically take this drug for hypertension.
Some side effects of benazepril are to be expected, and should go away once the body gets used to the treatment. Fatigue and dizziness often occur at the beginning of treatment, and can be increased with the use of alcohol, though hot weather and exercise can also amplify these side effects. Headaches, nausea, and a dry cough may also appear during use of this high blood pressure treatment. Though they are typically considered normal and rather minor, they should be mentioned to a doctor if they continue for months or seem to get worse over time.
