Benazepril
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Lotensin |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antihypertensive |
| Pharmacologic class | ACE inhibitor |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset about 1 hour; peak 2 to 4 hours; duration about 24 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life about 10 to 11 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | Yes (see Safety) |
| Antidote / reversal | None specific. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Contraindicated. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Benazepril (brand name Lotensin) — Antihypertensive; ACE inhibitor.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive.
- Pharmacologic class: ACE inhibitor.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Same ACE inhibition.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset about 1 hour; peak 2 to 4 hours; duration about 24 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 10 to 11 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Hypertension, often in combination products.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 10 to 40 mg PO daily in 1 to 2 doses.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 80 mg/day; reduce in renal impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Angioedema history, pregnancy.
- Black box warning: Fetal toxicity.
- Interactions: Class ACE interactions.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Contraindicated.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Cough, dizziness, headache.
- Serious effects to report: Angioedema, hyperkalemia, renal impairment.
- Antidote / reversal: None specific.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Blood pressure, renal function, potassium, pregnancy status.
- Interventions during therapy: Monitor for hypotension.
- Monitor: Blood pressure, potassium, renal function.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Blood pressure at goal.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Same as other ACE inhibitors.
- Notify provider if: Swelling, breathing difficulty, persistent cough.
- Administration tips: Consistent daily timing.