Benazepril

popeye77 · 02-22-2005, 11:08 PM

I started taking Benazepril (a generic for Lotensin) starting about a week ago, instead of Accupril. Today for the first time in a long time I felt pretty good with no headache I always kinda associated with the Accupril. I realize these are all the same family (ACE inhibiters) but do you think a change within the family could produce fewer side effects. Accupril always produced "the cough" and headache I think.

Lenin · 02-23-2005, 09:27 AM

jrm,

They are quite similar but if you found one that treats you better than the others, good for you. Same goes for ARB's where some like Cozaar and others do so much better on Benicar or Diovan.
The BIG test though is whether THE COUGH is well and truly gone. Time will tell.

popeye77 · 02-28-2005, 12:31 AM

Well, it's been about a week, and cough is back, but not as bad. I'm taking 40mgs. of Benazepril in 2 20mg doses a day. Does that seem like a lot? I've been trying to stop drinking (beer) but the last 4 days I drank a bunch. That really screws up my BP. I'm 58 and not very well situated financially, It's been really depressing me lately. Hense the drinking, but that's been going on for years. Oh well, no beer today, so we'll see how long I can hold out.

Lenin · 02-28-2005, 08:59 AM

jrm,

It sounds like your dosage is about right?

Quote:

. Adults : The recommended initial dose for patients not receiving a diuretic is 10 mg once-a-day. The usual maintenance dosage range is 20-40 mg per day administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. A dose of 80 mg gives an increased response, but experience with this dose is limited. The divided regimen was more effective in controlling trough (pre-dosing) blood pressure than the same dose given as a once-daily regimen. Dosage adjustment should be based on measurement of peak (2-6 hours after dosing) and trough responses. If a once-daily regimen does not give adequate trough response, an increase in dosage or divided administration should be considered. If blood pressure is not controlled with Lotensin alone, a diuretic can be added.

Total daily doses above 80 mg have not been evaluated.

Here's a hint if finances are tight: The 40 mg. tablet costs the same as the 20 mg. (about $.80 each at a discount pharmacy.) Sounds like a perfect job for the pill-splitter.
Also captopril is a FAR cheaper alternative (about $.20 a pill.)

popeye77 · 02-28-2005, 10:42 AM

Benazepril is the generic for Lotensin and much cheaper. So I get the former at a discount pharmacy for about $.33 a pill. I'm reluctant to take a diuretic yet until I get drinking totally under control, as alcohol dehydrates you. I've had problems with dehydration in the past. Is a "trough response" a high or low BP condition? The phrase suggests a low followed by a high. I appreciate your responses.