Benazepril Hydrochloride and Hydrochlorothiazide

Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. This fixed combination drug is not indicated for the initial therapy of hypertension (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ) .

Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in patients who are anuric. Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is also contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to benazepril, to any other ACE inhibitor, to hydrochlorothiazide, or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs. Hypersensitivity reactions are more likely to occur in patients with a history of allergy or bronchial asthma. Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is also contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema with or without previous ACE inhibitor treatment. Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin (e.g., sacubitril). Do not administer Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan a neprilysin inhibitor (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ) . Do not coadminister aliskiren with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, including Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with diabetes.

Anaphylactoid and Possibly Related Reactions Presumably because angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including benazepril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious. Head and Neck Angioedema: Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and larynx has been reported in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In U.S. clinical trials, symptoms consistent with angioedema were seen in none of the subjects who received placebo and in about 0.5% of the subjects who received benazepril. Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema can be fatal. If laryngeal stridor or angioedema of the face, tongue, or glottis occurs, treatment with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted immediately. When involvement of the tongue, glottis, or larynx appears likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, e.g., subcutaneous epinephrine injection 1:1000 (0.3 – 0.5 mL) should be promptly administered (see PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Black patients receiving ACE inhibitors have been reported to have a higher incidence of angioedema compared to nonblacks. Patients receiving coadministration of ACE inhibitor and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) therapy or a neprilysin inhibitor may be at increased risk for angioedema (see PRECAUTIONS ) . Intestinal Angioedema: Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there was no prior history of facial angioedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. The angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan or ultrasound, or at surgery, and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Intestinal angioedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients on ACE inhibitors presenting with abdominal pain. Anaphylactoid Reactions During Desensitization: Two patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera venom while receiving ACE inhibitors sustained life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. In the same patients, these reactions were avoided when ACE inhibitors were temporarily withheld, but they reappeared upon inadvertent rechallenge. Anaphylactoid Reactions During Membrane Exposure: Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialyzed with high-flux membranes and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. Anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported in patients undergoing low density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate absorption. Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide are more likely in patients with allergy and asthma. Hypotension Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide can cause symptomatic hypotension. Like other ACE inhibitors, benazepril has been only rarely associated with hypotension in uncomplicated hypertensive patients. Symptomatic hypotension is most likely to occur in patients who have been volume and/or salt depleted as a result of prolonged diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhea, or vomiting. Volume and/or salt depletion should be corrected before initiating therapy with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be used cautiously in patients receiving concomitant therapy with other antihypertensives. The thiazide component of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide may potentiate the action of other antihypertensive drugs, especially ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic-blocking drugs. The antihypertensive effects of the thiazide component may also be enhanced in the postsympathectomy patient. In patients with congestive heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, ACE inhibitor therapy may cause excessive hypotension, which may be associated with oliguria, azotemia, and (rarely) with acute renal failure and death. In such patients, Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide therapy should be started under close medical supervision; they should be followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dose of benazepril or diuretic is increased. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position, and, if necessary, treated with intravenous infusion of physiological saline. Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide treatment usually can be continued following restoration of blood pressure and volume. Impaired Renal Function Monitor renal function periodically in patients treated with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Changes in renal function including acute renal failure can be caused by drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system and by diuretics. Patients whose renal function may depend in part on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., patients with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or volume depletion) may be at particular risk of developing acute renal failure on Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Consider withholding or discontinuing therapy in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function on Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. In a small study of hypertensive patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, treatment with benazepril was associated with increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine; these increases were reversible upon discontinuation of benazepril therapy, concomitant diuretic therapy, or both. Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis Another angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, has been shown to cause agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression, rarely in uncomplicated patients (incidence probably less than once per 10,000 exposures) but more frequently (incidence possibly as great as once per 1000 exposures) in patients with renal impairment, especially those who also have collagen-vascular diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Available data from clinical trials of benazepril are insufficient to show that benazepril does not cause agranulocytosis at similar rates. Monitoring of white blood cell counts should be considered in patients with collagen vascular disease, especially if the disease is associated with impaired renal function. Fetal toxicity Pregnancy Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible. These adverse outcomes are usually associated with use of these drugs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. Appropriate management of maternal hypertension during pregnancy is important to optimize outcomes for both mother and fetus. In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to the fetus. Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. If oligohydramnios is observed, discontinue Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide, unless it is considered lifesaving for the mother. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. […]

General Serum Electrolyte Abnormalities In clinical trials of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide, the average change in serum potassium was near zero in subjects who received 5/6.25 mg or 20/12.5 mg, but the average subject who received 10/12.5 mg or 20/25 mg experienced a mild reduction in serum potassium, similar to that experienced by the average subject receiving the same dose of hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Hypomagnesema can result in hypokalemia which appears difficult to treat despite potassium repletion. Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system can cause hyperkalemia. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically. Metabolic Disturbances Hydrochlorothiazide Hydrochlorothiazide may alter glucose tolerance and raise serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Hydrochlorothiazide may raise the serum uric acid level due to reduced clearance of uric acid and may cause or exacerbate hyperuricemia and precipitate gout in susceptible patients. Thiazides decrease urinary calcium excretion and may cause mild elevation of serum calcium. Avoid using Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with hypercalcemia. Cough: Presumably due to the inhibition of the degradation of endogenous bradykinin, persistent nonproductive cough has been reported with all ACE inhibitors, always resolving after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor induced cough should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cough. Surgery/Anesthesia: In patients undergoing surgery or during anesthesia with agents that produce hypotension, benazepril will block the angiotensin II formation that could otherwise occur secondary to compensatory renin release. Hypotension that occurs as a result of this mechanism can be corrected by volume expansion. Information for Patients Angioedema: Angioedema, including laryngeal edema, can occur at any time with treatment with ACE inhibitors. A patient receiving Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be told to report immediately any signs or symptoms suggesting angioedema (swelling of face, eyes, lips, or tongue, or difficulty in breathing) and to take no more drugs until after consulting with the prescribing physician. Pregnancy: Female patients of childbearing age should be told about the consequences of exposure to Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy. Discuss treatment options with women planning to become pregnant. Patients should be asked to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible. Symptomatic Hypotension: A patient receiving Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be cautioned that lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first days of therapy, and that it should be reported to the prescribing physician. The patient should be told that if syncope occurs, Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued until the physician has been consulted. All patients should be cautioned that inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure, with the same consequences of lightheadedness and possible syncope. Hyperkalemia: A patient receiving Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be told not to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting the prescribing physician. Neutropenia: Patients should be told to promptly report any indication of infection (e.g., sore throat, fever), which could be a sign of neutropenia. Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Instruct patients taking hydrochlorothiazide to protect skin from the sun and undergo regular skin cancer screening. Laboratory Tests The hydrochlorothiazide component of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide may decrease serum PBI levels without signs of thyroid disturbance. Therapy with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide should be interrupted for a few days before carrying out tests of parathyroid function. Drug Interactions Neprilysin Inhibitors: Patients taking concomitant neprilysin may be at increased risk for angioedema. Interactions Common for Both Benazepril and Hydrochlorothiazide Potassium Supplements and Potassium Sparing Diuretics: Concomitant use with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide may effect potassium levels. Monitor potassium periodically. mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors: Patients receiving coadministration of ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor (e.g., tesmsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) therapy may be at increased risk for angioedema (see WARNINGS ) . Lithium: Renal clearance of lithium is reduced by thiazides and increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Increased serum lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors during therapy with lithium. Monitor lithium levels when used concomitantly with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Dual Blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypertension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not coadminister aliskiren with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min). NSAIDs and Cox-2 selective agents: In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, coadministration of NSAIDs, including selective COX- 2 inhibitors, with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving benazepril and NSAID therapy. The antihypertensive effect of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide may be attenuated by NSAIDs. Benazepril Benazepril has been used concomitantly with beta-adrenergic-blocking agents, calcium-blocking agents, cimetidine, diuretics, digoxin, hydralazine, and naproxen without evidence of clinically important adverse interactions. Other ACE inhibitors have had less than additive effects with beta adrenergic blockers, presumably because drugs of both classes lower blood pressure by inhibiting parts of the renin-angiotensin system. Interaction studies with warfarin and acenocoumarol have failed to identify any clinically important effects of benazepril on the serum concentrations or clinical effects of these anticoagulants. Gold: Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy. Hydrochlorothiazide Ion exchange resins: Stagger the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide and ion exchange resins such that hydrochlorothiazide is administered at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the administration of resins. Single doses of either cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind the hydrochlorothiazide and reduce its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract by up to 85% and 43%, respectively. Digitalis glycosides: Thiazide-induced hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia may predispose the patients to digoxin toxicity Skeletal muscle relaxants: Possible increased responsiveness to muscle relaxants such as curare derivatives. Antidiabetic agents: Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drug may be required. […]

Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide has been evaluated for safety in over 2500 patients with hypertension; over 500 of these patients were treated for at least 6 months, and over 200 were treated for more than 1 year. The reported side effects were generally mild and transient, and there was no relationship between side effects and age, sex, race, or duration of therapy. Discontinuation of therapy due to side effects was required in approximately 7% of U.S. patients treated with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide and in 4% of patients treated with placebo. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in U.S. studies were cough (1.0%; see PRECAUTIONS ), “dizziness” (1.0%), headache (0.6%), and fatigue (0.6%). The side effects considered possibly or probably related to study drug that occurred in U.S. placebo-controlled trials in more than 1% of patients treated with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide are shown in the table below. Reactions Possibly or Probably Drug Related Patients in U.S. Placebo-Controlled Studies Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide N = 665 Placebo N=235 N % N % “Dizziness” 41 6.3 8

3.4 Fatigue 34 5.2 6

2.6 Postural Dizziness 23 3.5 1

0.4 Headache 20 3.1 10

4.3 Cough 14 2.1 3

1.3 Hypertonia 10 1.5 3

1.3 Vertigo 10 1.5 2

0.9 Nausea 9 1.4 2

0.9 Impotence 8 1.2 0

0.0 Somnolence 8 1.2 1

0.4 Other side effects considered possibly or probably related to study drug that occurred in U.S. placebo-controlled trials in 0.3% to 1.0% of patients treated with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide were the following: Cardiovascular: Palpitations, flushing. Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, anorexia, and constipation. Neurologic and Psychiatric: Insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia, libido decrease, dry mouth, taste perversion, and tinnitus. Dermatologic: Rash and sweating. Other: Urinary frequency, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, and pain (including chest pain and abdominal pain). Other adverse experiences reported in 0.3% or more of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide patients in U.S. controlled clinical trials, and rarer events seen in post-marketing experience, were the following; asterisked entries occurred in more than 1% of patients (in some, a causal relationship to Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide is uncertain): Cardiovascular: Syncope, peripheral vascular disorder, and tachycardia. Body as a Whole: Infection, back pain*, flu syndrome*, fever, chills, and neck pain. Dermatologic: Photosensitivity and pruritus. Gastrointestinal: Gastroenteritis, flatulence, and tooth disorder. Neurologic and Psychiatric: Hypesthesia, abnormal vision, abnormal dreams, and retinal disorder. Respiratory: Upper respiratory infection*, epistaxis, bronchitis, rhinitis*, sinusitis*, and voice alteration. Other: Conjunctivitis, arthritis, urinary tract infection, alopecia, and urinary frequency*. Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of either benazepril or hydrochlorothiazide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Hydrochlorothiazide is associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. In a study conducted in the Sentinel System, increased risk was predominantly for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in white patients taking large cumulative doses. The increased risk for SCC in the overall population was approximately 1 additional case per 16,000 patients per year, and for white patients taking a cumulative dose of ≥50,000mg the risk increase was approximately 1 additional SCC case for every 6,700 patients per year. Benazepril Stevens-Johnson syndrome, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, pemphigus, and thrombocytopenia, eosinophilic pneumonitis Hydrochlorothiazide Digestive: Pancreatitis, small bowel angioedema, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic), sialadenitis, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, nausea, gastric irritation, constipation, and anorexia. Neurologic: Vertigo, lightheadedness, transient blurred vision, headache, paresthesia, xanthopsia, weakness, and restlessness. Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasm. Hematologic: Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and hyperuricemia, pyrexia, asthenia, parathyroid gland changes with hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactoid reactions, necrotizing angiitis, respiratory distress (including pneumonitis and pulmonary edema), purpura, urticaria, rash, and photosensitivity. Skin: Erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and exfoliative dermatitis including toxic epidermal necrolysis. Clinical Laboratory Test Findings Serum Electrolytes: see PRECAUTIONS . Creatinine and BUN: Minor reversible increases in serum creatinine and BUN were observed in patients with essential hypertension treated with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Such increases occurred most frequently in patients with renal artery stenosis (see PRECAUTIONS ) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Advagen Pharma Ltd, at 866-488-0312 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Neprilysin Inhibitors: Patients taking concomitant neprilysin may be at increased risk for angioedema. Interactions Common for Both Benazepril and Hydrochlorothiazide Potassium Supplements and Potassium Sparing Diuretics: Concomitant use with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide may effect potassium levels. Monitor potassium periodically. mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors: Patients receiving coadministration of ACE inhibitor and mTOR inhibitor (e.g., tesmsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus) therapy may be at increased risk for angioedema (see WARNINGS ) . Lithium: Renal clearance of lithium is reduced by thiazides and increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Increased serum lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors during therapy with lithium. Monitor lithium levels when used concomitantly with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide. Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Dual Blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypertension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not coadminister aliskiren with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min). NSAIDs and Cox-2 selective agents: In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, coadministration of NSAIDs, including selective COX- 2 inhibitors, with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving benazepril and NSAID therapy. The antihypertensive effect of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide may be attenuated by NSAIDs. Benazepril Benazepril has been used concomitantly with beta-adrenergic-blocking agents, calcium-blocking agents, cimetidine, diuretics, digoxin, hydralazine, and naproxen without evidence of clinically important adverse interactions. Other ACE inhibitors have had less than additive effects with beta adrenergic blockers, presumably because drugs of both classes lower blood pressure by inhibiting parts of the renin-angiotensin system. Interaction studies with warfarin and acenocoumarol have failed to identify any clinically important effects of benazepril on the serum concentrations or clinical effects of these anticoagulants. Gold: Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy. Hydrochlorothiazide Ion exchange resins: Stagger the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide and ion exchange resins such that hydrochlorothiazide is administered at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the administration of resins. Single doses of either cholestyramine or colestipol resins bind the hydrochlorothiazide and reduce its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract by up to 85% and 43%, respectively. Digitalis glycosides: Thiazide-induced hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia may predispose the patients to digoxin toxicity Skeletal muscle relaxants: Possible increased responsiveness to muscle relaxants such as curare derivatives. Antidiabetic agents: Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drug may be required. Antineoplastic agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, methotrexate): Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics may reduce renal excretion of cytotoxic agents and enhance their myelosuppressive effects. Drugs that alter gastrointestinal motility: The bioavailability of thiazide-type diuretics may be increased by anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, biperiden), apparently due to a decrease in gastrointestinal motility and the stomach emptying rate. Conversely, pro-kinetic drugs may decrease the bioavailability of thiazide diuretics. Cyclosporin: Concomitant treatment with diuretics may increase the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout-type complications. Alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics: Concomitant administration of thiazide diuretics with alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics may potentiate orthostatic hypotension. Pressor amines: Hydrochlorothiazide may reduce the response to pressor amines such as noradrenaline but the clinical significance of this effect is not sufficient to preclude their use. Non-clinical safety data

Minimal amounts of unchanged benazepril and benazeprilat are excreted into the breast milk of lactating women treated with benazepril, so that a newborn child ingesting nothing but breast milk would receive less than 0.1% of the maternal doses of benazepril and benazeprilat. Thiazides, on the other hand, are definitely excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from hydrochlorothiazide and the unknown effects of benazepril in infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Neonates with a history of in utero exposure to Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide: If oliguria or hypotension occurs, direct attention toward support of blood pressure and renal perfusion. Exchange transfusions or dialysis may be required as a means of reversing hypotension and/or substituting for disordered renal function. Benazepril, which crosses the placenta, can theoretically be removed from the neonatal circulation by these means; there are occasional reports of benefit from these maneuvers with another ACE inhibitor, but experience is limited. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Renal Impairment Safety and effectiveness of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCL ≤ 30 mL/min) have not been established. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild (CrCL 60 to 90 mL/min) or moderate (CrCL 30 to 60 mL/min) renal impairment. Hepatic Impairment No adjustment of the initial dose is required for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ) . Hydrochlorothiazide Minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte imbalance may precipitate hepatic coma in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease.

Of the total number of patients who received Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide in U.S. clinical studies of Benazepril HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide, 19% were 65 or older while about 1.5% were 75 or older. Overall differences in effectiveness or safety were not observed between these patients and younger patients. A limited amount of data suggests that the systemic clearance of hydrochlorothiazide is reduced in both healthy and hypertensive elderly subjects compared to young healthy volunteers.