Which drugs or supplements interact with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide?

Combining benazepril with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium.

Combining benazepril or other ACE inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible.

There have been reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, and many others), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the effects of ACE inhibitors.

When taken with lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), benazepril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood.

Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension) may occur when injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate), used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is combined with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces the elimination of lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) by the kidneys and can lead to lithium toxicity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Blood sugar levels can be elevated by HCTZ necessitating adjustments in the doses of medications that are used for treating diabetes.

Combining HCTZ with corticosteroids may increase the risk for low levels of blood potassium and other electrolytes. Low blood potassium can increase the toxicity of digoxin (Lanoxin). Cholestyramine (Questran, Questran Light) and colestipol (Colestid) bind to hydrochlorothiazide and reduce its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract by 43% to 85%.

What else should I know about benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide?

What preparations of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide are available?

Tablets (mg benazepril/mg HCTZ); 5/6.25, 10/12.5, 20/12.5, and 20/25.

How should I keep benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide stored?

Lotensin HCT should be stored at 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) and be protected from excessive light and humidity. It should be kept in a tight, light-resistant container.