Drug interactions
Benazepril + Lithium
Severity: Major
Benazepril and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
ACE inhibitors can reduce renal lithium clearance, raising serum lithium levels and causing toxicity such as tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Risk is higher in older patients, dehydration and renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benazepril and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Benazepril belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Reduced renal sodium and lithium clearance, increasing proximal tubular lithium reabsorption.
What to do
If combined, measure lithium levels before starting and within the first week or so, then regularly, and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Consider an alternative antihypertensive when feasible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Benazepril
- Aliskiren + Benazepril Contraindicated
- Benazepril + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Benazepril + Sacubitril-valsartan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Benazepril Major
- Amiloride + Benazepril Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Benazepril Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benazepril with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benazepril and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. ACE inhibitors can reduce renal lithium clearance, raising serum lithium levels and causing toxicity such as tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Risk is higher in older patients, dehydration and renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Benazepril and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If combined, measure lithium levels before starting and within the first week or so, then regularly, and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Consider an alternative antihypertensive when feasible.
What other medicines interact with Benazepril?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Benazepril with, for example, Aliskiren, Sacubitril / valsartan, Sacubitril-valsartan. The full list is on the Benazepril page.
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