Lotrel is a combination of two medicines: benazepril hydrochloride and amlodipine besylate. Benazepril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. It helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally a part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Benazepril causes blood vessels to relax. Amlodipine is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your blood vessel walls and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Lotrel is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is usually given after other blood pressure medications have been tried without successful treatment.
Directions
Take Lotrel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dosage for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) will vary between 2.5 mg/10 mg to Lotrel 10 mg/40 mg once a day. It should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication. Lotrel may be taken with or without food. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine.
Precautions
Before taking Lotrel you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure or aortic stenosis, liver or kidney disease, cirrhosis, diabetes, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, angioedema, any allergies. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects. Lotrel may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.
Contraindications
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on dialysis, if you drink alcohol regularly.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have cough, headache, unexplained swelling, high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), dizziness, irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin, stomach pain, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, difficulty breathing, wheezing, itching, skin rash, insomnia, back pain, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, low blood pressure, impotence, heartburn. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: potassium-containing products (potassium gluconate, salt substitutes, potassium chloride), potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene, amiloride, spironolactone), simvastatin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, celecoxib, ketoprofen, oxaprozin), diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide), antacids, lithium. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are extremely low blood pressure, kidney failure, increased heart rate, high potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, decreased urine output, drowsiness, headache, back pain, slow pulse, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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