lotensin-a general overview
Lotensin, is a drug used in hypertension, CCF, and chronic kidney failure.
It may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics.
Composition of lotensin
benazeperil
how it works?
Upon breakage of its ester group by the liver, benazepril is converted into its active form benazeprilat, a non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
Dose
The National Drug Codes for the various packages are
Tablets
Dose     Color   Bottle of 100
5 mg     light yellow   NDC 0078-0447-05
10 mg    dark yellow    NDC 0078-0448-05
20 mg    pink               NDC 0078-0449-05
40 mg    dark rose       NDC 0078-0450-05
Storage:
Do not store above 30°C (86°F).
Protect from moisture
Oral
Lotensil is Available as tablets in strength of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
Benazepril is also available in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, and with amlodipine under different brand names.
Side effects of lotensin
The Most common side effects of lotensin include headache and cough.
Rare side effects like Anaphylaxis and angioedema can also occur.
Hyperkalemia, which is elevation of serum or say blood potassium levels, can also occur.
Benazepril may cause harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Hence it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Hpotension-on drug over dose may occur.. in case of over dose consult you doctor immediately,it is characterized by headache dizziness or patient may faint.
Contraindications
Benazepril should be discontinued during pregnancy.
If you are already taking Lotensin as your anti hypertensive medication,you need to stop when conceived, or better consult your doctor before you plan to conceive.
Lotensin should be discontinued during any planned surgery. If you are undergoing any surgery, inform your doctor before hand.
History of angioedema previously by use of other ACE inhibitors.
Lotensin use during Kidney disease
Patients with advanced renal insufficiency taking Lotensin showed "substantial" kidney benefits.
A long term study of patients' kidney disease revealed that patients who took Lotensin had better kidney function and a slower progression of kidney disease. Kidney function was much better in the group of patients taking the drug than their peers who took a placebo drug. This is notable because this category of pharmaceuticals have long been thought to cause further kidney damage or increase the rate of progression for kidney disease.
According to coverage of the study on WebMD:
ACE inhibitors can pose a potential threat to kidneys as well. The key question was whether damaged kidneys would worsen if patients took ACE inhibitors. In a nutshell, concerns centered on blood levels of potassium and creatinine, waste products that are excreted by the kidneys. Testing creatinine levels in the blood is used as a way to monitor kidney function (...) kidney problems worsened more slowly in those taking Lotensin. Overall, there were no major differences in side effects between patients taking Lotensin or the placebo.
This study marks the first indication that lotensin, and perhaps other ACE inhibitors, may actually be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension in patients with kidney disease.
Veterinary use
Benazepril hydrochloride is used to treat congestive heart failure in dogs and chronic renal failure in dogs and cats under different brand names.
Manufactured by:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Suffern, New York 10901
Distributed by:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
You can buy Lotensin online http://www.meds-hut.com/generic/blood-pressure/Lotensin.shtml