Drug interactions
Benazepril + Potassium chloride
Severity: Major
Benazepril and Potassium chloride: 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
Benazepril reduces renal potassium loss, and added potassium chloride can lead to clinically significant hyperkalemia with arrhythmia risk. Patients with kidney disease or diabetes are at the highest risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benazepril and Potassium chloride 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; Potassium chloride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
ACE inhibition suppresses aldosterone and decreases potassium excretion, compounding the exogenous potassium load.
What to do
Use potassium chloride only when clearly indicated, with serum potassium and creatinine checks soon after starting and regularly thereafter. Lower or stop the supplement if potassium approaches the upper normal range.
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 Potassium chloride
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benazepril with Potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benazepril and Potassium chloride 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 reduces renal potassium loss, and added potassium chloride can lead to clinically significant hyperkalemia with arrhythmia risk. Patients with kidney disease or diabetes are at the highest risk.
How serious is the interaction between Benazepril and Potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use potassium chloride only when clearly indicated, with serum potassium and creatinine checks soon after starting and regularly thereafter. Lower or stop the supplement if potassium approaches the upper normal range.
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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