Benazepril
Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It works by blocking an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the heart's workload. It may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor used to lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by relaxing blood vessels.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09AA07
- RxNorm
- 18867
- Generic
- Benazepril
- Class
- atc-c09
- Brands
- Lotensin, Lotensin HCT, Lotrel, Cardalis
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.6mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antihypertensives
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound for fetal growth
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue immediately if pregnancy suspected
contraindicated; discontinue therapy immediately if pregnancy detected
comprehensive fetal monitoring including amniotic fluid assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution; monitor infant for hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal function
monitor infant for adverse effects; consider infant serum creatinine and potassium if symptoms develop
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest effective dose; consider starting at 5-10mg once daily
initiate at low dose and titrate slowly; monitor renal function and potassium closely
regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 6not recommended
safety and efficacy not established in children under 6 years; avoid use
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 6 to 17use reduced dose; start at 0.2mg/kg once daily up to 10mg
may be used with caution; limited long-term safety data available
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce initial dose to 5-10mg daily; monitor closely
use with caution; monitor renal function and potassium; avoid in bilateral renal artery stenosis
regular monitoring of serum creatinine, BUN, and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant reduction required; consider avoiding
use with extreme caution; may require dialysis; avoid if creatinine clearance <30mL/min
frequent monitoring of renal function and electrolytes; monitor for accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment typically required
use with caution; benazepril is prodrug activated in liver
monitor blood pressure and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid excessive alcohol consumption
may enhance hypotensive effect; increased risk of orthostatic hypotension
monitor blood pressure especially with position changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Benazepril was first approved for medical use in the United States
Drug class
Classification as an ACE inhibitor antihypertensive medication
Common therapeutic uses
Primary indications for Benazepril prescription
Brand names
Common commercial brand names for Benazepril formulations
Benazepril is prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It may also help protect kidney function in patients with diabetes.
Benazepril belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors). It blocks the ACE enzyme that produces angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. By reducing angiotensin II, blood vessels relax and widen, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
Common side effects include dry cough, dizziness, and headache. Benazepril should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby. Patients with a history of angioedema or those taking aliskiren should avoid this medication. Blood pressure and kidney function should be monitored regularly during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy