Lexxel

Generic name: Enalapril maleate and felodipine

What is Lexxel?

Lexxel is used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications to treat high blood pressure. It combines 2 blood pressure drugs: an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. Lexxel is not usually the first drug that should be used when starting to treat hypertension.

What is the most important information I should know about Lexxel?

When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, Lexxel can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

During the first few days of Lexxel therapy you may experience some lightheadedness, especially in the morning. Be careful when sitting or standing up. Excessive perspiration and dehydration may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduction in fluid in your body. Vomiting or diarrhea may also lead to a fall in blood pressure. If you feel faint when taking Lexxel, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Lexxel; this drug may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Proper dental care is important while you are taking Lexxel. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. Good dental hygiene decreases the incidence and severity of side effects such as gum swelling.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Lexxel may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Lexxel may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lexxel. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lexxel before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, complete blood cell counts, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Lexxel. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

If you notice any sign of an infection (such as sore throat and fever) contact your doctor for this may be due to a side effect of Lexxel.

Who should not take Lexxel?

Do not take Lexxel if you are sensitive to any component of the drug or if you have ever developed a swollen throat and difficulty swallowing (angioedema) while taking drugs that are similar to Lexxel, such as captopril or enalapril.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lexxel?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lexxel. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of drug induced angioedema, have collagen vascular disease (a connective tissue disorder), kidney or liver disease, are receiving dialysis, have bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, the blood disease porphyria, lupus, slow heart beat, heart disease, or heart failure.

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: Lexxel is available in 2 strengths: Lexxel 5-2.5 contains 5 milligrams (mg) of enalapril and 2.5 mg of felodipine; Lexxel 5-5 contains 5 mg of each.

The usual starting dose is 1 tablet of Lexxel 5-5 once a day. If there is no change in your blood pressure after 1 to 2 weeks, the doctor may increase your dose to 2 tablets once a day. If your blood pressure still remains too high, the dose may be increased to 4 tablets of Lexxel 5-2.5 once a day. The doctor may also add a diuretic (water pill) containing a thiazide to your regimen.

If you have kidney disease, your doctor may start you at a lower dose.

How should I take Lexxel?

Take Lexxel exactly as prescribed. Lexxel can be taken with a light meal or without food; take with food if stomach upset occurs. However, a high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness. Also, be careful when drinking grapefruit juice, as it can increase Lexxel's impact. Swallow Lexxel tablets whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet.

Continue to take Lexxel even if you do not see results right away. You may feel worse before you feel better.

What should I avoid while taking Lexxel?

Lexxel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Lexxel sometimes causes a severe drop in blood pressure. The danger is especially great if you have been taking diuretics (water pills), or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a potassium or salt imbalance. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, and vomiting are also dangerous because they can rob the body of water. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you feel light-headed or faint, have chest pain, or feel your heart racing, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lexxel.

Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lexxel. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Do not sit of stand up too quickly when beginning Lexxel therapy, especially in the morning. Lay down at the first sign of dizziness and lightheadedness.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lexxel?

If Lexxel 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 Lexxel with the following: cimetidine, diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide or those that leave potassium in the body such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene, epilepsy medications such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, erythromycin, glyburide, grapefruit juice, high-fat meals, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, potassium supplements, tacrolimus

What are the possible side effects of Lexxel?

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: dizziness, headache, swelling, lightheadedness when sitting or standing up, drowsiness, nausea, persistent dry cough, fatigue, vomiting

If you experience swelling of the face, extremities, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, immediately report them to your doctor. Do not take any more doses of Lexxel without first consulting with your doctor.

Can I receive Lexxel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Lexxel while you are pregnant. When taken during the final 6 months, the ACE inhibitor in Lexxel can cause birth defects, prematurity, and even death in the developing fetus or newborn baby. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Lexxel because the drug is found in breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lexxel?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Lexxel?

Store Lexxel at room temperature, below 86°F. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.