Lotrel

What is the most important information I should know about Lotrel (Amlodipine Benazepril)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or benazepril (Lotensin), or if you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction).

You should not use amlodipine and benazepril Erectalis if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Do not take amlodipine and benazepril if you are pregnant. Amlodipine and benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Amlodipine and benazepril may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Some side effects of amlodipine and benazepril may not occur until after you have been using the medication for several months.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lotrel (Amlodipine Benazepril)?

You should not use this medication if:

• you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or benazepril (Lotensin)
• you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction); or
• you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik)

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an amlodipine and benazepril dose adjustment or special tests:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• heart disease or congestive heart failure
• diabetes; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Amlodipine and benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Amlodipine and benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

ABOUT LOTREL

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts on the walls of arteries Viagra Super Force. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common medical condition that affects approximately one-third of adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It increases the risk of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney disease. Lotrel is a combination medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Indications

Lotrel is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure in individuals who have been unsuccessful with monotherapy. Lotrel is a combination of two drugs---amlodipine and benazepril. Each medication treats blood pressure by different mechanisms. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and benazepril is an ACE inhibitor, according to Novartis.

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Side Effects

It is important to note that side effects may not occur until several months after starting Lotrel. Less serious and common side effects include coughing, headache and dizziness, insomnia and decreased sexual desire, according to Novartis. Serious side effects can occur and individuals should speak with a doctor immediately if they arise. These include an allergic reaction to the medication, chest pain, changes in urination frequency, rapid weight gain and skin or urinary color changes.

Dosage and Administration

Take Lotrel exactly as prescribed by a doctor for the best results. It is available as a capsule in a variety of dose strengths and is generally taken once-per-day. It can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time each day. The blood pressure lowering effects of Lotrel may take up to two weeks to be attained, according to Novartis. Individuals must take Lotrel on a regular basis, even if they are feeling well as it does not cure high blood pressure.

Warning

Individuals allergic to amlodipine or benazepril or any other ACE inhibitor should not take Lotrel. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies Lotrel under pregnancy category D. This means Lotrel must not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause injury or death to the baby, if taken in the second or third trimester. Individuals with kidney or liver disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes or on a low-salt diet should inform their doctor before taking Lotrel. Certain drugs can affect or interact with Lotrel such as bee-sting allergy shots, lithium, potassium supplements and diuretics.

ACE Inhibitiors and Calcium-channel Blockers

ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are two classes of medications use in the treatment of high blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and lowering the body's salt and water content. This is achieved by blocking an enzyme that acts in the body to narrow blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers also lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, but do it by slowing the rate at which calcium passes into the heart and vessel walls, according to the Texas Heart Institute.