Lotrel

What is Lotrel

Amlodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for your heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Benazepril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Benazepril prevents chemicals in your body from causing narrowing of the blood vessels.

The combination, amlodipine and benazepril, is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Lotrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Lotrel

Do not take Lotrel if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ACE inhibitors (benazepril) can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become much worse.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lotrel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Benazepril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Lotrel, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Lotrel.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Lotrel. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness that may occur while taking benazepril (an ACE inhibitor).

What you should find out before taking Lotrel

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease;
- have kidney disease;
- have diabetes;
- have a collagen vascular disorder;
- have other diseases of the heart or blood vessels such as heart failure, aortic stenosis, or low blood pressure; or
- are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take Lotrel, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Lotrel is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Lotrel will harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ACE inhibitors (benazepril) can cause injury and even death of the developing fetus. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

It is also not known whether Lotrel passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from benazepril (an ACE inhibitor). You may require a lower dose of the medication.

How should take Lotrel

Take Lotrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become much worse.

Store Lotrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an Lotrel overdose are not known but might include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

Avoid while taking Lotrel

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lotrel, except under the supervision of your doctor.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness that may occur while taking benazepril which is an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (an ACE inhibitor).

Possible side effects of Lotrel

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lotrel and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- chest pain;
- an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat;
- severe dizziness or fainting;
- little or no urine production;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
- swelling of your legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lotrel and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache or dizziness;
- dry, tickling cough;
- fatigue or tiredness;
- abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
- impotence;
- anxiety or insomnia; or
- flushing, itching, or rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Lotrel

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
- salt substitutes that contain potassium;
- any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), and amiloride (Midamor);
- any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others; or
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

You may not be able to take Lotrel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lotrel or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.