Benazepril Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2024.

Applies to benazepril: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Discontinue benazepril hydrochloride as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, as injury and death to the developing fetus may occur with use of drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system.

Common side effects of benazepril

Some side effects of benazepril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• headache

Less common side effects

• cough
• dizziness
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Serious side effects of benazepril

Along with its needed effects, benazepril may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benazepril:

Less common side effects

• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• chest pain or discomfort
• diarrhea
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• nausea
• rapid breathing
• rapid weight gain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• skin rash
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sweating
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benazepril: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were headache, dizziness, somnolence, and postural dizziness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, somnolence, postural dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Hypertonia, paresthesia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Decreases in hemoglobin (a low value and a decrease of 5 g/dL)
• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pemphigus, dermatitis, pruritus, rash, photosensitivity, alopecia, sweating, angioedema^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Asthma, bronchitis, dyspnea, sinusitis, cough^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Uric acid increased, blood glucose increased, hyponatremia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing, electrocardiographic changes, hypotension^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, pancreatitis, constipation, gastritis, vomiting, melena^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection, frequent urination, impotence, proteinuria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Serum bilirubin increased, liver enzymes increased^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Infection^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, asthenia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, decreased libido, insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Further information

Benazepril side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer