1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril (Lotensin HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Vaseretic, Zestoretic) or benazepril (Lotensin), or if you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction).

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• congestive heart failure;
• lupus;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril (Lotensin HCT)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and benazepril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet of moisture-absorbing preservative that comes with this medication.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.