The medication has not been approved for use in children.
It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Lotrel is a combination of two medicines -- benazepril hydrochloride (sold under the brand
Lotensin® and in generic form as Benazepril Hydrochloride) and amlodipine besylate (sold under the brand name
Norvasc®). Lotensin is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Lotensin helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally a part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Lotensin causes blood vessels to relax.
Norvasc is part of a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers. Norvasc helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, causing a decrease in blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Because of the effects of both Lotensin and Norvasc, Lotrel can
lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Lotrel causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
A
blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the
systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the
diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Lotrel, systolic
blood pressure (the top number) decreased by up to 25 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by up to 13 mmHg. The higher the dose, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be.
When and How to Take Lotrel
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Lotrel comes in capsule form. It is taken once a day.
- It may be taken with or without food.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the capsules.
- Lotrel should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Lotrel your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking
- How you respond to Lotrel.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Lotrel. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Lotrel include:
- Cough (see Lotrel Cough)
- Headache
- Unexplained swelling
- High potassium levels in the blood
- Dizziness.
(Click Lotrel Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of the medication, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
Drug Interactions With Lotrel
Lotrel can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking this medication, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
- Heart disease, including congestive heart failure or aortic stenosis
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE for short)
- A personal or family history of angioedema, which is swelling under the skin
- Any allergies, including allergies to Lotrel, Lotensin, Norvasc, benazepril, amlodipine, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Lotrel and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Are on dialysis
- Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take any potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
People who take too much Lotrel may have overdose symptoms that can include extremely low
blood pressure or an increased heart rate.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Lotrel and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Lotrel as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Lotrel capsules are available in several strengths, each with different amounts of either
benazepril hydrochloride or
amlodipine besylate. These strengths include:
- Lotrel 2.5 mg/10 mg -- which has 2.5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril
- Lotrel 5 mg/10 mg -- which has 5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril
- Lotrel 5 mg/20 mg -- which has 5 mg of amlodipine and 20 mg of benazepril
- Lotrel 5 mg/40 mg -- which has 5 mg of amlodipine and 40 mg of benazepril
- Lotrel 10 mg/20 mg -- which has 10 mg of amlodipine and 20 mg of benazepril
- Lotrel 10 mg/40 mg -- which has 10 mg of amlodipine and 40 mg of benazepril.
Currently, both brand and generic versions of Lotrel are licensed for sale.
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