Lotrel

Lotrel is a prescription medication that is used to lower high blood pressure in adults by causing the blood vessels to relax. In clinical studies, the drug was shown to decrease systolic blood pressure by up to 25 mmHg and diastolic pressure by up to 13 mmHg. The higher the dose, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. Because Lotrel is a combination of two medications, it causes a greater drop in blood pressure than if either medication is used alone. Possible side effects of this drug include cough, headache, and dizziness.

Lotrel Medication

What Is Lotrel?

Lotrel^® (benazepril hydrochloride and amlodipine besylate) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. However, it is not a cure for high blood pressure.

The medication has not been approved for use in children.

(Click Lotrel Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Lotrel?

It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

How Does It Work?

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.

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