Lotrel (Amlodipine/Benazepril)

What is Lotrel?

Lotrel is a combination of two drugs, amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and benazepril (an ACE inhibitor).

What is Lotrel used for?

Lotrel is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension.

How does Lotrel work?

Lotrel works by relaxing blood vessels and causing them to widen. Once the blood pressure is lowered; strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems are prevented.

How to use Lotrel

Lotrel should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time(s) each day.

Get your blood pressure, kidney and liver function checked on a regular basis.

Lotrel warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc), benazepril (Lotensin) or other ACE inhibitors like ramipril (Altace), captopril (Capoten), trandolapril (Mavik), perindopril (Aceon), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), moexipril (Univasc) or  quinapril (Accupril). 

Prior to taking Lotrel, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure or heart disease, diabetes, or if you ever had a severe allergic reaction.                                               

While using Lotrel avoid drinking alcohol or performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving). Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes, along with the medicine, without consulting your d

What do I do if I have missed a Lotrel dose?

If you have missed your Lotrel dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose or your next dose is just 12 hours away.

What do I do if I have taken a Lotrel overdose?

If you have taken a Lotrel overdose you should seek medical attention.

Lotrel interactions

Before taking Lotrel, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), salt substitutes that contain potassium, potassium supplements such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, a shot for bee-sting allergy, diuretic (water pill) such as torsemide (Demadex), amiloride (Midamor), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), bumetanide (Bumex), furosemide (Lasix), spironolactone (Aldactone), chlorthalidone (Thalitone, Hygroton), indapamide (Lozol), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, HCTZ), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), triamterene (Maxzide, Dyrenium, Dyazide), or if you take gold injections to treat arthritis.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Lotrel side effects

Lotrel side effects include breathing difficulty; severe stomach pain; hives; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Chest pain, weight gain, body ache, sore throat, fever, chills, jaundice, swallowing trouble, nausea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, decreased or increased frequency of urination are also side effects from Lotrel. If you get any of these side effects after using Lotrel, contact your doctor right away.

Cough, headache, dizziness, insomnia, muscle weakness, diarrhea, constipation, decreased sex drive are some less serious side effects of Lotrel.