Benazepril (Lotensin) Uses

Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure.

There may be other uses of benazepril—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Benazepril (Lotensin) Mechanism of Action

Benazepril and other ACE inhibitors act on the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, which regulates blood volume and electrolyte levels in the body. These drugs lower blood pressure by blocking the action of an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which tightens or narrows blood vessels. The blocking of this enzyme, therefore, leads to a relaxation of blood vessels and easier blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Benazepril (Lotensin) Doses

Benazepril comes in the form of 5 mg tablet, 10 mg tablet, 20 mg tablet, and 40 mg tablet to take by mouth. The usual starting dose of this medicine in adults is 10 mg once daily. Patients who are taking a diuretic (water pill) are started on 5 mg once daily. Those who have renal impairment (reduced kidney function) with a glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 or a serum creatinine above 3 mg/dL are started on 5 mg once daily. The dose of benazepril can be increased up to 40 mg daily based on response. The medication may be taken as a single dose or in two equally divided doses.

The dose of benazepril in pediatric patients depends on the child’s body weight. The usual starting dose in patients 6 years of age and above who have a glomerular filtration rate of 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 or higher is 0.2 mg/kg once daily. The maximum dose is 0.6 mg/kg once daily.