Drug interactions
Benazepril + Potassium citrate / citric acid
Severity: Major
Benazepril and Potassium citrate / citric acid: 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
Potassium citrate provides absorbable potassium, which together with ACE inhibitor-related potassium retention can cause hyperkalemia. Risk is greater in renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benazepril and Potassium citrate / citric acid 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.
Why it happens
ACE inhibition reduces aldosterone-driven renal potassium excretion while the potassium salt adds to total potassium load.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and renal function at baseline, within the first week or so, and periodically. Reduce or stop the potassium citrate if hyperkalemia develops.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benazepril with Potassium citrate / citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benazepril and Potassium citrate / citric acid 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. Potassium citrate provides absorbable potassium, which together with ACE inhibitor-related potassium retention can cause hyperkalemia. Risk is greater in renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Benazepril and Potassium citrate / citric acid?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and renal function at baseline, within the first week or so, and periodically. Reduce or stop the potassium citrate if hyperkalemia develops.
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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