What is Lotrel?
Lotrel is a combination of amlodipine and benazepril. Amlodipine works as a calcium channel-blocking agent. Amlodipine improves blood circulation by relaxing and widening blood vessels.Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Benazepril widens the blood vessels and prevents water retention in the body.Lotrel can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).This medication guide does not list all of the uses for lotrel.
Warnings
Lotrel should not be used if you're pregnant. Stop taking the medicine immediately if you become pregnant.Inform your doctor of any changes as soon as you can.This medicine should not be used if you've ever had angioedema. Do not take this medication within 36 hours of taking a medicine that contains sacubitril, such as Entresto.Lotrel should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting that continues, or if your sweating is greater than normal, call your doctor. Lotrel can cause you to become dehydrated, which can result in low blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance.
Before you take this drug
Lotrel should not be used if you have an allergy to amlodipine, benazepril, or:
- You have angioedema, which is a severe swelling in the deep tissues of your skin (hives)
- You have diabetes, and you are taking the medication aliskiren.
- You recently took a medicine for your heart called sacubitril.
- You are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril or enalapril.
Lotrel should not be taken within 36 hours of taking a medicine that contains sacubitril, such as Entersto.Lotrel should not be taken with any blood pressure medication that contains aliskiren if you have diabetes.If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid using Lotrel in conjunction with aliskiren.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Heart disease or congestive heart failure
- Hyperkalemia is a condition where you have high potassium levels in your blood.
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Liver disea
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
Lotrel should not be used if you're pregnant. Benazepril may cause harm or even death to an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester.
If your doctor has not instructed you otherwise, do not breastfeed while using Lotrel.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
How to take Lotrel?
Lotrel should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Take Lotrel either with or without food. Take your medicine every day at the same time.Dehydration can be caused by vomiting or diarrhea. While taking this medication, drink plenty of water every day.You may need frequent blood tests and your blood pressure checked frequently.Tell your surgeon that you are currently taking this medication if you require surgery. You may have to stop using this medicine for a few days.If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting that persists, or if your sweating is greater than normal, call your doctor. Lotrel can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause very low blood pressure or electrolyte disorders.Even if you are feeling well, continue to use Lotrel according to the instructions. High blood pressure can often be symptomless. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Keep away from moisture and heat at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: Amlodipine 25 mg and Benazepril 20 mg, orally.
Maintenance dose: Amlodipine 2,5 to 10 mg and Benazepril 10, 20, 40 mg, orally every day.
Maximum dose: Amlodipine: 10 mg/day; Benazepril: 80 mg/day
Comments:
After 2 weeks, you may increase the dose as necessary to reach your blood pressure target.
African Americans should not expect to see additional blood pressure relief by adding benazepril.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you can. However, if the dose is more than 12 hours past due, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.Use only potassium or salt supplements if your doctor tells you to.
Side effects of Lotrel
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you're African-American, your chances of having an allergic reaction are higher.
You may not experience some side effects until you've used the medication for several months.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Rapid weight gain; swelling of the hands and feet;
- Chest pain that is new or worsening
- Sore neck, body aches, and flu symptoms.
- High potassium: nausea, weakness, tingling sensations, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, or loss of mobility;
- Liver disorders: nausea, stomach pain on the upper right side, itching, unusual fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and dark urine. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Lotrel can cause a variety of side effects.
- Cough;
- Dizziness;
- Swelling in the hands or feet
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Taking certain medicines together can be dangerous. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.
Tell your doctor about all medications that you take. Lotrel can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Lithium;
- Probenecid;
- Simvastatin;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Gold injections for arthritis treatment
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Insulin, or oral diabetes medication
- An antibacterial: clarithromycin and telithromycin
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole;
- Antiviral medicines to treat HIV/AIDS: indinavir, ritonavir, and others.
- Medicine to prevent organ rejection: cyclosporine, everolimus, tacrolimus, or temsirolimus
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These include aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Indomethacin), celecoxib (Aleve), and many others.
This list isn't complete, and other drugs may interact with benazepril and amlodipine. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
