Lotensin

The prescription drug Lotensin lowers blood pressure by blocking an enzyme in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. By lowering blood pressure, the medication reduces the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure. Lotensin comes in tablet form and is taken once or twice daily. Possible side effects of the drug include headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

Lotensin Medication

What Is Lotensin?

Lotensin^® (benazepril hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed for controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children six years of age and older. It is used to treat high blood pressure, but does not cure it.

Lotensin is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.

(Click What Is Lotensin Used For? for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Lotensin?

The medication is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

How Does It Work?

Lotensin is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Lotensin helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, it causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.

Effects

blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Lotensin, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased on average by 6 to 12 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 4 to 7 mmHg on average. The higher the dose, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be.

By lowering blood pressure, the medication can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).

(Lotensin Continued: Page 2)