Main Research Findings

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of benazepril. 9 shows that benazepril has a protective effect on patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. Also, 27 shows that benazepril effectively lowers blood pressure and has a similar blood pressure lowering effect to other ACE inhibitors such as captopril and enalapril. 19 shows that benazepril has a greater blood pressure lowering effect compared to felodipine. 8 shows that benazepril, when used in combination with amlodipine, effectively lowers blood pressure in patients whose blood pressure is not sufficiently controlled by amlodipine alone. These studies suggest that benazepril can effectively lower blood pressure and is a safe and effective treatment compared to other ACE inhibitors.

Reasons for side effects

The side effects of benazepril are common side effects of ACE inhibitors, and inhibiting ACE suppresses the production of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II has the effect of promoting vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, so ACE inhibitors have the effect of lowering blood pressure and reducing body fluid volume. This effect may cause benazepril to cause side effects such as cough, rash, hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, and angioedema. 13 shows that benazepril can cause skin allergic reactions.

Common Side Effects

Cough

The most commonly reported side effect of benazepril is cough. According to 1 , benazepril users have a significantly higher incidence of cough than placebo users. Cough is thought to occur because ACE inhibitors inhibit the breakdown of substances such as bradykinin. Bradykinin can irritate the mucous membrane of the airways and cause coughing. In the case of benazepril, 2 reports agranulocytosis due to benazepril. Agranulocytosis is a disease in which granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are reduced, and since the risk of infection increases, care must be taken.

Rash

Benazepril can cause allergic reactions such as rash. 13 reports skin allergic reactions due to benazepril. Rash usually occurs a few days to a few weeks after starting benazepril. If the rash is severe, you should stop taking benazepril.

Hyperkalemia

Benazepril can cause hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a disease in which the potassium concentration in the blood increases, and since the risk of arrhythmia and heart attack increases, care must be taken. Hyperkalemia is thought to occur because benazepril inhibits the excretion of potassium by the kidneys. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle fatigue, palpitations, and arrhythmia.

Renal dysfunction

Benazepril can cause renal dysfunction. Renal dysfunction is a disease in which kidney function deteriorates, and symptoms such as decreased urine output, edema, fatigue, and loss of appetite appear. Renal dysfunction is thought to occur because benazepril reduces blood flow to the kidneys. If symptoms of renal dysfunction appear, you should stop taking benazepril.

Angioedema

Benazepril can cause angioedema. Angioedema is a disease in which tissues such as the face, lips, tongue, and throat swell, and symptoms such as difficulty breathing appear. Angioedema is thought to occur because benazepril increases vascular permeability. If symptoms of angioedema appear, you should stop taking benazepril.

Measures to Take Against Side Effects

Cough

Cough due to benazepril often subsides when you stop taking the medication. If the cough is severe, you should consult your doctor and consider switching to another medication.

Rash

Rash due to benazepril often subsides when you stop taking the medication. If the rash is severe, you should consult your doctor and consider switching to another medication. If the rash is severe and you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately.

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia often subsides when you stop taking benazepril. If the hyperkalemia is severe, you should consult your doctor and consider switching to another medication. If the hyperkalemia is severe and you experience symptoms such as palpitations or arrhythmia, call an ambulance immediately.

Renal dysfunction

Renal dysfunction often subsides when you stop taking benazepril. If the renal dysfunction is severe, you should consult your doctor and consider switching to another medication. If the renal dysfunction is severe and you experience symptoms such as decreased urine output or edema, call an ambulance immediately.

Angioedema

Angioedema often subsides when you stop taking benazepril. If the angioedema is severe, you should consult your doctor and consider switching to another medication. If the angioedema is severe and you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities

Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of benazepril. Benazepril can effectively lower blood pressure and is a safe and effective treatment compared to other ACE inhibitors. Benazepril may also have a protective effect on the kidneys and may be effective in treating diabetic nephropathy.

Differences

Multiple studies have shown that benazepril can cause side effects such as cough, rash, hyperkalemia, renal dysfunction, and angioedema. However, since the incidence of side effects varies from study to study, the incidence of side effects from benazepril may vary from person to person.

Cautions for Real-World Applications

Benazepril is an effective drug for treating high blood pressure and heart failure, but since there is a possibility of side effects, it is important to consult your doctor before taking it. When taking benazepril, be aware of the side effects and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any abnormalities.

Limitations of Current Research

There are still many aspects of benazepril's side effects that are not fully understood, and further research is needed. In particular, further research is needed on the mechanisms of cough and hyperkalemia due to benazepril, factors that predict the incidence and severity of side effects, and measures to reduce side effects.

Future Research Directions

To gain a deeper understanding of the side effects of benazepril, the following research is needed.

• Research on the mechanisms of cough and hyperkalemia due to benazepril
• Research on factors that predict the incidence and severity of side effects from benazepril
• Research on measures to reduce side effects from benazepril
• Research on the interaction between benazepril and other drugs

Conclusion

Benazepril is an effective drug for treating high blood pressure and heart failure, but since there is a possibility of side effects, it is important to consult your doctor before taking it. When taking benazepril, be aware of the side effects and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any abnormalities. There are still many aspects of benazepril's side effects that are not fully understood, and further research is needed.