This medication is a combination of two drugs, an ACE inhibitor (benazepril) and a "water pill"/diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Benazepril works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The hydrochlorothiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, nausea, dry cough, or sleepiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. You may experience dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, dry cough, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; unusual stomach pain; difficulty swallowing; or difficulty breathing.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.