Lotrel: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Lotrel is a combination of two drugs: a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an ACE inhibitor (benazepril). It is used to treat high blood pressure. Lotrel works by dilating blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

1. How to use Lotrel

Read the instructions for use carefully, if any, or consult your pharmacist and doctor before you start taking this medicine.
Lotrel can be taken orally once a day, with food or on an empty stomach.
The dose of the drug is prescribed based on the health condition and response to treatment of each person. Use this medication as often as directed for the safest effect. To make it easier to remember and to avoid forgetting your medication, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel tired or have obvious symptoms.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you see the full effects of lotrel. Tell your doctor if your blood pressure doesn't go down or if it gets worse or isn't well controlled.

2. Undesirable effects of the drug Lotrel

Side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness may occur when the body has not yet adapted to the drug. A dry cough or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet may also occur. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
To limit the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, the patient should change position slowly when from sitting or lying position.
The drug is indicated for use when the doctor judges that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur such as:
Fainting Fast, irregular heartbeat, nervous palpitations Symptoms of high blood potassium levels such as muscle weakness, slow, irregular heartbeat Signs of kidney problems such as low urine output Lotrel medicine rarely causes serious liver problems that can be fatal. Call 911 or go to the nearest medical facility right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including:
Nausea, vomiting repeatedly Loss of appetite, stomach pain Right stomach pain Yellow eyes , jaundice, dark urine. Some people with a history of pre-existing cardiovascular conditions rarely experience chest pain or a heart attack that gets worse after starting this medicine or increasing the dose. Get medical care immediately if you experience:
Worsening of chest pain, Symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain spreading to the jaw, left arm, shortness of breath, unusual sweating often. Anaphylaxis to lotrel is very rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
The above is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Notes

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or benazepril; or another dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine); or other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or if you have a history of allergies to any other substances. This product may contain excipients that have no therapeutic effect but may still cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Lotrel, tell your doctor or pharmacist your previous medical history, especially of:
History of allergic reactions manifested by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat (angioedema) ) History of dialysis Liver disease Cardiac abnormalities such as coarctation of the aorta. Lotrel may make you dizzy. So do not drive, use machines or do anything that requires alertness after taking this medicine. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking the drug.
Excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting can cause the body to lose too much water and increase the risk of dizziness. Report persistent diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Make sure to stay hydrated with enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all medicines you are taking, including Lotrel if applicable.
Lotrel may increase the amount of potassium in the blood. Before using potassium supplements or supplements containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, including dizziness, increased potassium levels and changes in urine output, and kidney problems.
Lotrel is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It can harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. The drug has also been reported to appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

4. Drug interactions

Use in combination with other medicines may change the way Lotrel works or increase the risk of serious side effects.
Always keep in mind all the products you use, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products, to tell your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not arbitrarily use, stop or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with Lotrel include:
Aliskiren Certain medicines that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection (such as everolimus, sirolimus) Lithium Drugs that can increase levels blood potassium levels (such as ARBs including losartan, valsartan, birth control pills containing drospirenone) Sacubitril. Some products have ingredients that can increase blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are taking and ask how to use them safely (especially cough and cold products, diet aids, or over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen) .
A very serious reaction can occur if you are receiving bee venom allergy shots (desensitization) and are also taking benazepril. Make sure all your doctors know what medicine you are taking.

5. Drug overdose

If someone has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911. If not, call a poison control center right away.
Symptoms of a drug overdose may include:
Severe dizziness, Fainting Unusually fast or slow heartbeat. Lifestyle changes that may increase the effectiveness of Lotrel in blood pressure control include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet.

6. Dealing with missed doses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not arbitrarily double the dose.

7. How to store medicine

Store Lotrel at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Do not store medicine in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so.
Dispose of this product appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.

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Reference source: webmd.com