Lotrel
Generic Name: Amlodipine
What is Lotrel?
Lotrel is a combination of two drugs that work together to lower blood pressure: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril, an ACE inhibitor.What is the most important information I should know about Lotrel?
Lotrel is not for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. It is usually given to patients who have not had adequate blood pressure lowering effects from other medications.When taken during pregnancy, ACE inhibitors such as Lotrel can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, stop taking Lotrel and contact your doctor immediately.
Lotrel can cause angioedema, a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat (causing difficulty breathing), or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away.
Rarely, Lotrel may cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right of the stomach area, which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs, tell your doctor immediately. Lotrel may cause lightheadedness or fainting after standing up from a lying or sitting position.
If you get any type of infection that does not go away (such as sore throat or fever) while taking Lotrel, promptly report it to your doctor.
Although rare, Lotrel may worsen chest pain in those with heart conditions and may cause a heart attack. Some heart failure patients may have an excessive drop in blood pressure when they first start taking Lotrel. Your doctor may need to monitor you for the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Lotrel may worsen kidney problems in those with kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you see any swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, or have unexpected weight gain.
Who should not take Lotrel?
Do not take Lotrel if you have had a previous allergic reaction or are sensitive to Lotrel or any other ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker medications.Do not take Lotrel if you have severe kidney disease or if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lotrel?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lotrel, especially medications for high blood pressure or heart failure, diuretics (water pills), or lithium. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, have a heart condition, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, lupus (disease that affects the immune system), or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker. Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking Lotrel if you are going to have surgery, allergy shots for bee stings, or kidney dialysis.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: Usual doses of Lotrel are 2.5/10 milligrams (mg) (2.5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril) to 10/40 mg taken once daily. Your doctor may increase or decrease your individual dose based on your condition and blood pressure.
How should I take Lotrel?
Lotrel can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day.What should I avoid while taking Lotrel?
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lotrel will affect you. Avoid becoming dehydrated, and drink adequate fluids while taking Lotrel to prevent your blood pressure from dropping too low.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lotrel?
If Lotrel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lotrel with any of the following: blood pressure drugs, diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, heart failure drugs, lithium, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium.What are the possible side effects of Lotrel?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: headache, cough, dizziness, swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands
Can I receive Lotrel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
When used in pregnancy, ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. If you become pregnant, stop taking Lotrel immediately and contact your doctor. Lotrel is excreted into your breast milk. It is recommended that breastfeeding be discontinued while you are taking Lotrel.What should I do if I miss a dose of Lotrel?
If you forget to take Lotrel, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours, just take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Lotrel?
Store Lotrel at room temperature, away from moisture.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
