Common use
Lotrel consists from two drugs: benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin) and amlodipine besylate (Norvasc). The drugs is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker which slows the contractions of the heart muscle, eases the heart workload, improves blood flow through the heart. Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, it blocks transformation of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, decreases vasoconstricting effects of angiotensin II and its stimulation on aldosterone production.

Dosage and direction
One capsule contains 5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril. The dose is administered individually and adjusted on a basis of regular blood pressure tests by your doctor. Correction of the dose is required in children, elderly, frail patients and those with kidney or liver impairments.

Precautions
Lotrel is potentially dangerous to an unborn baby especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Kidney function should be monitored on a regular basis when on Lotrel. Poor kidney function and lupus may reduce supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. Risk of allergic reaction increases in the patients on kidney dialysis. Intestinal swelling may be caused by Lotrel. Contact your doctor if you have abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. Your dosage of Lotrel may be adjusted or discontinued if you are treated with Lotrel and diuretics and develop low blood pressure expressed by light-headedness or fainting, especially during the first few days of therapy. If you are currently taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium check with your doctor first than to take Lotrel. Avoid excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, and vomiting as blood pressure may become too low.

Contraindications
Lotrel cannot be used by patients who are hyprsensitive to amlodipine, benazepril, or any angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Possible side effect
The most common side effects are edema of lower extremities and headache. Contact your doctor for medical attention if your feel them and also swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, chest pain, slow, fast, or pounding heartbeats, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling, jaundice, a dry, persistent cough, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of taste, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, severe dizziness or fainting, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, rash, facial swelling fever, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and a sore or swollen throat. In case of bothersome and severe side effects seek immediate medical attention.

Drug interaction
Diuretics (chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), ethanol, aldesleukin, local anesthetics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, levodopa increases the risk of excessive blood pressure lowering. Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics increase a risk of hyperpotassemia. Lotrel increases blood concentration and toxic effects of lithium ions. NSAIDs, estrogens, alpha-adrenostimulants reduce hypotensive effects of Lotrel. In controlled clinical studies, indomethacin did not change hypotensive action of Lotrel. Medicines which suppress bone marrow may increase a risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis. Medications which contain óÁ2+ may decrease Lotrel effect. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications and estrogens may decrease effectiveness of Lotrel. Diuretics may increase Lotrel activity. Concomitant taking with medications containing lithium might aggravate their toxicity.

Missed dose
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose
The most likely overdose symptoms are a sudden drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose seek immediate medical attention.

Storage
Do not store at the temperature over 30 C. Keep away from children and pets.

Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.