Benazepril, sold under the brand name Lotensin among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. It is a reasonable initial treatment for high blood pressure. It is taken by mouth. Versions are available as the combinations benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril/amlodipine.
Common side effects include feeling tired, dizziness, cough, and light-headedness with standing. Serious side effects may include kidney problems, low blood pressure, high blood potassium, and angioedema. Use in pregnancy may harm the baby, while use when breastfeeding may be safe.[2] It is an ACE inhibitor and works by decreasing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity.[3]
Benazepril was patented in 1981 and came into medical use in 1990. It is available as a generic medication.[3] In 2023, it was the 172nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions.