Amlodipine; Benazepril capsules
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What are amlodipine-benazepril capsules?
AMLODIPINE-BENAZEPRIL (Lotrel®) is a combination of two drugs used to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine and benazepril lower, but do not cure high blood pressure (hypertension). Generic amlodipine-benazepril capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
• bone marrow disease
• heart or blood vessel disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, benazepril, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with amlodipine; benazepril?
Do not take Amlodipine; Benazepril with any of the following:
• substitute salts which contain potassium
Amlodipine; Benazepril may also interact with the following medications:
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• aspirin
• azathioprine
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• cyclosporine
• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol
• gold compounds, often used for arthritis
• heparin
• herbal or dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice
• hymenoptera venom
• imatinib, STI-571
• lithium
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for prostate problems
• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• potassium salts (examples: potassium chloride, potassium gluconate)
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, trimethoprim, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• water pills or diuretics (especially amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone)
• yohimbine
• zafirlukast
• zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking amlodipine-benazepril?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking amlodipine-benazepril. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how amlodipine-benazepril affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats.
Do not suddenly stop taking amlodipine-benazepril. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how you can gradually reduce the dose.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking amlodipine-benazepril.
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take amlodpine-benazepril.
Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking amlodipine- benazepril without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
What side effects may I notice from taking amlodipine-benazepril?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• uneven or fast heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations
• swelling of your legs and ankles
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing, or swallowing
• skin rash, itching
• persistent dry cough
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• occasional cough
• drowsiness or dizziness
• facial flushing
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain or gas
• weakness or tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
