ACE Inhibitors
BenazeprilBenazepril Hydrochloride
Benazepril (generic Lotensin) is an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure, also sold combined with amlodipine in a widely used capsule. It is a cheap generic; the combination capsule is priced more variably.
This page is general information about a medication and how cash prices for it are set. It is not medical advice and does not replace the label, your prescriber or your pharmacist. How we handle medical information
Single-ingredient tablets and both combinations are generic.
About Benazepril
Benazepril blocks the production of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and reducing the strain on the heart and kidneys. It is taken once or twice a day for high blood pressure and is used for kidney protection in some patients. The combination with amlodipine treats blood pressure with one capsule in people who need two drugs, and a combination with hydrochlorothiazide is also sold.
A dry cough affects a minority of people on any ACE inhibitor and is the usual reason for switching to an ARB. Dizziness at the start, raised potassium and changes in kidney function are checked with blood tests after starting. Rarely, swelling of the face, lips or throat occurs, which is an emergency. It is not used in pregnancy.
Potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium should be avoided unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Benazepril is also used in some people with chronic kidney disease to reduce protein loss in the urine, and it can be combined with other blood pressure medicines except an ARB or aliskiren, which add risk without benefit. Home blood pressure readings help the prescriber judge whether the dose is right.
Taking Benazepril
- How to take it
- Once or twice a day, with or without food.
- If you miss a dose
- Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Never take two doses at once to make up.
- Storage
- At room temperature in the original container, away from heat and moisture (so not in a bathroom cabinet), and out of reach of children.
- Interactions to know about
- Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium too high; anti-inflammatories reduce its effect and can harm the kidneys; and it raises lithium levels. It must not be taken within 36 hours of sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto). Seek urgent care for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. A dry cough is common. It must not be taken during pregnancy.
This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.
Why the cash price for Benazepril differs from pharmacy to pharmacy
Benazepril tablets are a commodity generic on most flat-price lists. The amlodipine combination capsule is also generic but costs pharmacies more, and quotes vary; sometimes the two separate generics cost less than the combination, sometimes more, because one prescription carries one dispensing fee.
Upload it and licensed pharmacies reply with their own cash price. You pay the pharmacy, not us.
Ways to pay less for Benazepril without insurance
- Ask the pharmacy to quote the combination capsule and the two separate generics.
- Ask for a ninety-day prescription once the dose is stable.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for Benazepril
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your Benazepril prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Questions to ask your pharmacist about Benazepril
- 1.Should I switch to an ARB if I develop a cough?
- 2.When will my potassium and kidney function be checked?
- 3.Is the combination capsule cheaper than two separate tablets here?
- 4.Which over-the-counter painkillers should I avoid?
- 5.What swelling symptoms need emergency care?
Where Benazepril fits
Vets prescribe it too. See Benazepril and enalapril for pets for the safety points that differ in animals.
Related medications
Sources
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.