Drug
Lotrel
Pronounced
"am-LOE-di-peen/ben-AZ-e-pril"
Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains 2 medications, amlodipine and benazepril. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Benazepril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. They both work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
Warning
Benazepril (one of the ingredients in this product) can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).