Indications

Hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome

Special Instructions

Immediate-release: May be taken with or without food. Avoid grapefruit juice.

Contraindication

Cardiogenic shock, acute unstable angina, use w/in 1 mth of MI. Treatment of angina attack in chronic stable angina or acute reduction of BP in adults. Concomitant use w/ strong CYP3A4 inducers.

Special Precautions

Patients w/ hypotension, poor cardiac reserve, heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, DM, underlying severe GI narrowing (extended-release tab). Avoid abrupt withdrawal as it may casue rebound angina. Hepatic impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling Discontinue if ischaemic pain follows after admin. Monitoring Parameters Monitor BP, heart rate.

Side Effects

Dizziness, flushing, headache, hypotension, peripheral oedema, tachycardia, palpitations, nausea, constipation, other GI disturbances, increased micturition frequency, lethargy, eye pain, visual disturbances, syncope, vertigo, migraine, mood disturbances, rashes (including erythema multiforme), liver function abnormalities (including cholestasis), pruritus, gingival hyperplasia, myalgia, gynaecomastia, tremor, impotence, fever. Paradoxical increase in ischaemic chest pain during initiation of treatment. GI obstruction in some tablets covered in indigestible membrane.

Drug Interactions

Enhanced antihypertensive effects w/ other antihypertensives, aldesleukin, and antipsychotics. Concomitant use w/ fentanyl during surgery caused severe hypotension. May modify insulin and glucose responses. Attenuation of tachycardic effect when used w/ benazerpril. Prothrombin time may be increased w/ coumarin anticoagulants. Increased serum levels w/ CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, cimetidine, erythromycin, HIV-protease inhibitors, nefazodone, fluoxetine, quinupristin/dalfopristin).

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician