Lotrel

CAUTION:
Do not take amlodipine and benazepril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine and benazepril, call your doctor without delay. Amlodipine and benazepril may harm the fetus.

General Information and Indications:

Lotrel, the combination of amlodipine and benazepril, is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.
 

Information For Users:

The combination of amlodipine and benazepril comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take amlodipine and benazepril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take amlodipine and benazepril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Amlodipine and benazepril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue taking amlodipine and benazepril even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking amlodipine and benazepril without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to amlodipine (Norvasc), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o Inform your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have or have ever had heart failure; lupus; scleroderma; heart, liver, or kidney disease; or diabetes.
o Inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking amlodipine and benazepril.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Amlodipine and benazepril may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o cough
o headache
o dizziness
o swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:

o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
o hoarseness
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o fainting
o severe skin rash
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o more frequent or more severe chest pain

Brand Name(s):

o Lotrel®