Warning: the next following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment & expertise about your pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your physician before using it drug.

Amlodipine w/benazepril - oral

(am-low-deh-peen with beh-naze-eh-prill)

common brand names: Lotrel

Warning: it drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used during last 6 months about pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Lotrel Usage: this drug is a combination of 2 drugs, calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) & an ACE inhibitor (benazepril). it is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). it works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. HBP reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks & kidney problems.

How to use Lotrel: Take this medication by mouth, usually once day with or without food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Use this drug regularly in order to get most benefit from this. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. don't take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your pharmacist or pharmacist 1st. this medicine can raise you're potassium levels, which rarely may cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell some your healthcare professional immediately if these effects occur. the dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. it may take 1 to two weeks before full benefit of this drug occurs. It's important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. most people with HBP do not feel sick. do not stop taking this pill without consulting youre pharmacist. your condition may worsen if drug is abruptly stopped. your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Lotrel side effects: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or dry cough as your body adjusts to the drug. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your physician or physician promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability or interest. Tell some your physician immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, change at the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). it drug may sometimes cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any about next highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immeditial medical attention: yellowing about the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. An allergic reaction to it pill is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact youre pharmacist or physician.

Lotrel Precautions: this drug should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or doctor if you have: allergies to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema). Before using this drug, tell your pharmacist or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease), severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma), any allergies in addition to those listed above (including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering). this drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness due to lowering about some your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from seated or lying position. Serious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink adequate fluids to prevent from becoming dehydrated. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive sweating. Consult youre pharmacist if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea. Before having surgery, tell your healthcare professional or dentist that you are taking this med. Caution is advised when using this med in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects of tablet, especially dizziness effect. this medication should be used only when clearly needed during 1'st three months of pregnancy. It's not recommended for use during the last six months about the pregnancy due to the risk for serious fetal harm. Discuss the risks & benefits with your healthcare professional. look also the Warning section. it is not known whether amlodipine passes into breast milk. Very small amounts of benazepril pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding isnt recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Lotrel drug interactions: Before using this medication, tell your physician or healthcare professional of every prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: potassium-sparing 'water pills' (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), 'water pills' (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin), lithium, drugs that suppress immune system (e.g., azathioprine), another HBP drugs, other heart drugs (e.g., digoxin), intravenous (IV) calcium. cash labels on every your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products. do not start or stop any medicine with out physician or pharmacist approval.

Lotrel Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness, fainting, & unusually quick or slow heartbeat.

Lotrel special notes: do not share it medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise & dietary changes may increase effectiveness of this medicine. talk to youre doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function, potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or money for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this med. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home. Discuss this with your physician.

If you missed Lotrel dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's near the time of next dose, skip the missed dose & resume some your usual dosing schedule. do not double the dose to catch up.

Lotrel Storage: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. do not store in bathroom. Keep every medicines away from children and pets.

Medical alert: your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. for enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Active Ingredients : Amlodipine W Benazepril