Lotensin Precautions and Warnings (Cont.)

• There are a number of medicines that Lotensin can interact with (see Lotensin Drug Interactions).
   
• ACE inhibitors are more likely than other drugs to cause allergic reactions. For example, there have been reports of severe allergic reactions occurring in people on Lotensin during dialysis. There have also been reports of severe reactions in people getting bee or wasp venom to protect against stings.

Make sure to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider. Also, seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice things such as hives, an unexplained rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.

• ACE inhibitors may cause swelling (angioedema) of the head and neck, including the tongue, lips, eyes, or throat. This occurs more frequently in African Americans than in Caucasians. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you notice swelling in the head or neck area, or if you have wheezing, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.
   
• In addition to causing head and neck angioedema, ACE inhibitors have been known to cause swelling in the intestines. This is known as intestinal angioedema. Symptoms may include stomach pain with or without vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
   
• Lotensin may cause extreme low blood pressure in some people. Extreme low blood pressure is more likely to happen in people who are taking a diuretic, who are on dialysis, who have diarrhea or vomiting, or who have sweat a lot. This is why it is important to drink fluids regularly while taking Lotensin. If you have any possible symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, contact your healthcare provider and stop taking the medicine.

Also, make sure not to drive, operate any heavy machinery, or perform any other tasks that require alertness before you know how Lotensin affects you.

• Lotensin is a pregnancy Category D medicine, meaning that Lotensin has clear health risks to your unborn child. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Lotensin, contact your healthcare provider immediately (see Lotensin and Pregnancy for more information).
   
• ACE inhibitors, including Lotensin, are known to cause a cough. If a cough becomes bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider about alternate options for your condition (see Lotensin Cough).
   
• While taking Lotensin, do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium unless you have discussed this with your doctor. In some people taking Lotensin, potassium in the blood can increase to dangerous levels.
   
• People on Lotensin can be at increased risk of infections. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any infections, such as a sore throat or fever.
   
• If you are over 65 years old, your healthcare provider may choose to make any necessary dosing adjustments with caution.
   
• ACE inhibitors, including Lotensin, have been known to cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in certain groups (such as those with severe congestive heart failure). Let your healthcare provider know if you have symptoms such as a decrease in urine output, drowsiness, headache, or back pain. Your healthcare provider will also regularly check your kidney function with a blood test.
   
• If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, your body may metabolize the Lotensin differently than intended. Therefore, your healthcare provider will monitor your situation more closely.
   
• In clinical studies, ACE inhibitors, including Lotensin, have rarely been known to cause liver failure. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice things such as nausea, tiredness, lethargy, itchy or yellowing skin, abdominal pain, or flu-like symptoms.
   
• If you are nursing, it is not known whether or not Lotensin passes through your milk. Therefore, if you are nursing, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should stop Lotensin or stop breastfeeding.
   
• If you have congestive heart failure, your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your progress more closely.