Lotrel

The active ingredients in Lotrel are amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride. This combination works in 2 different ways to lower blood pressure.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes your blood vessels, which reduces your blood pressure. Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. It relaxes your blood vessels by inhibiting the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) protein, which normally squeezes your blood vessels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lotrel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lotrel:

• You can take Lotrel with or without food. Take your medicine at the same time every day.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently, and you may also require regular blood tests.
• If you need surgery, tell your surgeon that you are currently on this medication. You may need to stop this medication before your procedure.
• If you are vomiting or having diarrhea regularly, or if you are sweating excessively, call your doctor. Lotrel can cause very low blood pressure (hypotension), electrolyte imbalances, and kidney failure.

The most common side effects of Lotrel include:

• Cough.
• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Swelling (edema).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lotrel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, including angioedema. Symptoms include extreme swelling of the face, arms, or legs, as well as the lips, tongue, and neck.
• Heart attack symptoms include chest pain (angina), as well as cold and clammy skin, perspiration, disorientation, and fatigue.
• Serious kidney problems include urinating less frequently than normal, swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands, and unexplained weight gain.
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) cause nausea, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and irregular heartbeats.
• Symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint, or fainting.
• Severe liver disorders include stomach bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, disorientation, and black or brown urine.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lotrel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lotrel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Angioedema (hives or significant swelling of deep skin tissues, often triggered by an allergic reaction).
• Diabetes and am on aliskiren.
• Recently took a cardiac medication called sacubitril.
• Allergic to any other ACE inhibitors, such as medications like captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, benazepril, quinapril, and ramipril.
• Congestive heart failure.
• High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia).
• Kidney disease (or dialysis) or kidney problems.
• Liver problems.
• If you're following a low-salt diet or are taking salt substitutes.
• Aortic stenosis (heart valve problem).

Boxed Warning

Discontinue as soon as possible when pregnancy is diagnosed; it disrupts the renin-angiotensin system, causing oligohydramnios, which can end in damage and/or death to your unborn baby.

• Taking concurrently with aliskiren (Tekturna) in persons with diabetes (high blood sugar).
• Previous angioedema.
• Taking neprilysin inhibitors like Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) concurrently or within 36 hours.

Lotrel can take up to two weeks to produce its full blood pressure-lowering impact. Keep in mind that it may take some time until your physician determines the appropriate dose for you. They may need to change your dosage based on your blood pressure readings or if you are experiencing negative effects. Be patient, continue taking Lotrel, and schedule regular check-ins with your doctor.

When Lotrel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Lithium.
• Probenecid.
• Simvastatin.
• A diuretic, or "water pill".
• Gold injections are used to treat arthritis.
• Medications for the heart or blood pressure.
• Insulin or oral diabetic medications.
• An antibiotic - clarithromycin or telithromycin.
• Antifungal medications include itraconazole and ketoconazole.
• Antiviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS include indinavir, ritonavir, and others.
• Cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, and temsirolimus are all medications used to prevent organ transplant rejection.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

Lotrel 2.5 mg/10 mg (amlodipine/benazepril) is typically administered orally once daily. Your doctor will change your dose based on how well it works for your blood pressure and whether you are experiencing any adverse effects. The highest dose is Lotrel 10 mg/40 mg (amlodipine/benazepril) once daily.

If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you can. However, skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Lotrel.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Don't stop taking amlodipine abruptly. Although no "rebound" effect has been documented, it is best to gradually reduce the dosage over time.

Do not take Lotrel if you are pregnant. If you get pregnant, stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately. Benazepril can harm or kill an unborn baby if used during the second or third trimester.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.