Lotrel

Generic name: Amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride

What is Lotrel?

Lotrel contains 2 prescription medicines that work together to lower blood pressure: amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril hydrochloride, an ACE inhibitor. Your doctor will prescribe Lotrel only after other medicines haven't worked.

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

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 on becoming pregnant, stop taking Lotrel and contact your doctor immediately.

Lotrel can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Lotrel may rarely cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs, tell your doctor immediately.

Lotrel may cause lightheadedness or fainting, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position.

If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Lotrel, promptly report it to your doctor. Lotrel may decrease your blood levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, especially if you have lupus erythematosus or kidney disease. If you have these diseases your doctor will most likely monitor you closely by taking regular blood samples.

Lotrel should be taken with caution in patients who have congestive heart failure.

Lotrel is not for the initial treatment of high blood pressure, and is usually given to patients who have not had adequate blood pressure lowering effects from other medications.

Who should not take Lotrel?

You should 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.

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 on becoming pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, if you have a heart condition, liver or kidney problems, diabetes (high blood sugar), lupus, 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 (such as hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), heart failure drugs, lithium, potassium supplements, 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, fluid retention

Rare, but more serious side effects include: allergic reactions (swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue or throat), difficulty swallowing, asthma (wheezing) or other breathing problems; low blood pressure

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 fetus. When pregnancy is detected, Lotrel should be discontinued as soon as possible. It is not known whether Lotrel is excreted into breast milk. It is recommended that nursing be discontinued while Lotrel is administered.

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 2 doses at once.

How should I store Lotrel?

Store Lotrel at room temperature, away from moisture.