Indications 

Lotrel is a combination medication that comprises amlodipine and benazepril. It is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in patients who have not attained sufficient control with monotherapy utilizing either agent. 

Lotrel lowers blood pressure through two mechanisms: 

• Amlodipine, the calcium channel blocker, widens blood vessels, facilitating blood flow. 
• Benazepril, the ACE inhibitor, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzymes, prevents fluid retention, and widens blood vessels. 

This reduction in high blood pressure helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Lotrel and every time you get a refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your physician or pharmacist for any questions or concerns. 

Lotrel’s dosage should be individualized and adjusted according to the patient’s clinical response. Typically, it is taken once a day without regard to food or as directed by the doctor. 

For the best results, take Lotrel regularly around the same time daily, exactly as directed. Do not modify the dosage or frequency of administration without your doctor’s consent. 

Lotrel may take 1 to 2 weeks to provide full benefits. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Lotrel. Notify your physician or pharmacist promptly if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Coughing 
• Dizziness 
• Swelling in the hands or feet 

Serious Side Effects 

• Light-headed feeling or fainting 
• Swelling in hands or feet, rapid weight gain 
• New or worsened chest pain 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Sore throat 
• Body aches 
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Signs of high levels of potassium in the blood: 
  • Nausea 
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling sensation 
  • Chest pain 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Loss of movement 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Nausea 
  • Upper right stomach pain 
  • Itching 
  • Unusual tiredness 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Dark urine 
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the severe side effects listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Severe stomach pain 
• Facial, throat, lips, or tongue swelling  
• Breathing difficulties 

Individuals of African-American descent may have a higher risk of developing an allergic reaction. 

Some side effects may appear after prolonged use of this medication, and this list is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unlisted side effects that are bothersome. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Lotrel, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergic reactions you may have had to: 

• Amlodipine or benazepril 
• Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., nisoldipine, nifedipine) 
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), or 
• Any other known allergies 

This medication may also contain inert ingredients that could potentially cause allergic reactions or other complications. Consult with your pharmacist for further information. 

To ensure that Lotrel is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical history, particularly of:  

• Allergic reactions that resulted in swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) 
• Blood filtering procedures such as LDL apheresis, dialysis 

• Liver disease 
• Certain structural heart problems such as aortic stenosis  

Lotrel may interact with certain products such as: 

• Aliskiren 
• Drugs that weaken the immune system or increase the risk of infection (everolimus, sirolimus) 
• Lithium 
• Medications that may elevate potassium levels in the blood (ARBs including losartan/valsartan, drospirenone-containing birth control pills) 
• Gold injections 
• Sacubitril 

To prevent such drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist of all current and planned medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products, before using Lotrel. 

Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the safe usage of cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, as they may include ingredients that have the potential to elevate blood pressure. 

Before taking potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, seek advice from your physician or pharmacist, as Lotrel usage may increase potassium levels. 

Contact your physician if you experience persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, as dehydration may occur while taking Lotrel, potentially resulting in severe hypotension or an electrolyte imbalance. 

Lotrel can induce dizziness. Refrain from operating machinery, driving, or engaging in activities requiring vigilance until you can do so securely. 

Lotrel should not be used during pregnancy, for ACE inhibitors have been found to pose a potential risk of harm and fatality to the developing fetus when administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, discontinue the use of this medication, and promptly inform your physician. 

Consult a doctor before breastfeeding while taking Lotrel since lactating women taking benazepril have minimal excretions of unchanged benazepril and benazeprilat in breast milk, and the excretion of amlodipine in human milk is unknown.