Search Articles Directory United States of America: amlodipine and benazepril

am-LOE-di-peen BES-i-late, ben-AZ-e-pril hye-droe-KLOR-ide

Oral route(Capsule)

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue amlodipine besylate/benazepril hydrochloride as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Lotrel

Available Dosage Forms:

Capsule

Therapeutic Class: ACE Inhibitor/Calcium Channel Blocker Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Amlodipine

Chemical Class: Amlodipine

Uses For amlodipine and benazepril

Amlodipine and benazepril is a combination of medicines that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, amlodipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, benazepril relaxes blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

amlodipine and benazepril is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using amlodipine and benazepril

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For amlodipine and benazepril, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine and benazepril or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of amlodipine and benazepril combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of amlodipine and benazepril combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or liver problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving amlodipine and benazepril combination.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	D	Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk.

Breast Feeding

Amlodipine

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Benazepril

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking amlodipine and benazepril, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using amlodipine and benazepril with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Alteplase, Recombinant

Amiloride

Amiodarone

Atazanavir

Azathioprine

Azilsartan Medoxomil

Candesartan Cilexetil

Canrenoate

Conivaptan

Dantrolene

Droperidol

Eplerenone

Eprosartan

Losartan

Olmesartan Medoxomil

Potassium

Simvastatin

Spironolactone

Telaprevir

Telmisartan

Triamterene

Valsartan

Using amlodipine and benazepril with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acebutolol

Aceclofenac

Acemetacin

Alclofenac

Aliskiren

Alprenolol

Apazone

Atenolol

Azosemide

Bemetizide

Bendroflumethiazide

Benoxaprofen

Benzthiazide

Betaxolol

Bevantolol

Bisoprolol

Bromfenac

Bucindolol

Bufexamac

Bumetanide

Bupivacaine

Buthiazide

Capsaicin

Carprofen

Carteolol

Carvedilol

Celiprolol

Chlorothiazide

Chlorthalidone

Clometacin

Clonixin

Clopamide

Clopidogrel

Cyclopenthiazide

Cyclothiazide

Dalfopristin

Dexketoprofen

Diclofenac

Diflunisal

Dilevalol

Diltiazem

Dipyrone

Droxicam

Esmolol

Ethacrynic Acid

Etodolac

Etofenamate

Felbinac

Fenbufen

Fenoprofen

Fentiazac

Floctafenine

Fluconazole

Flufenamic Acid

Flurbiprofen

Furosemide

Gold Sodium Thiomalate

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydroflumethiazide

Ibuprofen

Imatinib

Indapamide

Indinavir

Indomethacin

Indoprofen

Isoxicam

Itraconazole

Ketoconazole

Ketoprofen

Ketorolac

Labetalol

Levobunolol

Lithium

Lornoxicam

Meclofenamate

Mefenamic Acid

Meloxicam

Mepindolol

Methyclothiazide

Metipranolol

Metolazone

Metoprolol

Nabumetone

Nadolol

Naproxen

Nebivolol

Nesiritide

Niflumic Acid

Nimesulide

Oxaprozin

Oxprenolol

Oxyphenbutazone

Penbutolol

Phenylbutazone

Pindolol

Pirazolac

Piretanide

Piroxicam

Pirprofen

Polythiazide

Propranolol

Propyphenazone

Proquazone

Quinethazone

Quinupristin

Rifapentine

Ritonavir

Sotalol

St John's Wort

Sulindac

Suprofen

Talinolol

Tenidap

Tenoxicam

Tertatolol

Tiaprofenic Acid

Timolol

Tolmetin

Torsemide

Trichlormethiazide

Xipamide

Zomepirac

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of amlodipine and benazepril

In addition to the use of amlodipine and benazepril, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and a change in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that amlodipine and benazepril will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

Dosing

The dose of amlodipine and benazepril will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of amlodipine and benazepril. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (capsules):
- For high blood pressure:
  - Adults—At first, one capsule containing 2.5 milligrams (mg) of amlodipine and 10 mg of benazepril once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg of amlodipine and 40 mg of benazepril per day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of amlodipine and benazepril, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using amlodipine and benazepril

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure amlodipine and benazepril is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using amlodipine and benazepril while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using amlodipine and benazepril, tell your doctor right away.

amlodipine and benazepril may cause serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, lips, tongue, or throat while you are using amlodipine and benazepril.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a strong stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting). This could be a symptom of a condition called intestinal angioedema.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to the medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other things that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.

Check with your doctor if you notice any signs of fever, sore throat, or chills. These could be symptoms of an infection resulting from low white blood cell counts.

Check with your doctor if you become sick while taking amlodipine and benazepril, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water, possibly resulting in low blood pressure.

Liver problems may occur while you are using amlodipine and benazepril. Stop using amlodipine and benazepril and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using amlodipine and benazepril. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: abdominal or stomach pain; confusion; difficulty with breathing; irregular heartbeat; nausea or vomiting; nervousness; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath; or weakness or heaviness of the legs.

In some patients, tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums may appear soon after treatment with amlodipine and benazepril is started. Brushing and flossing your teeth carefully and regularly and massaging your gums may help prevent this. See your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Check with your doctor or dentist if you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth and gums, or if you notice any tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking amlodipine and benazepril.

Black patients may be less sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of amlodipine and benazepril. In addition, the risk of a serious allergic reaction involving swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet may be increased.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

amlodipine and benazepril Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs

Signs and symptoms of too much potassium in the body

Confusion

irregular heartbeat

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

shortness of breath

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Rare

Bleeding gums

blisters in the mouth spreading to the trunk, scalp, or other areas

chills

fever

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

pale skin

sore throat

sores in the mouth, or on the arms, feet, hands, legs, or lips (sudden)

stomach pain or bloating with fever, nausea, or vomiting

swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet

trouble with swallowing or breathing (sudden) or hoarseness

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Chest pain

difficulty with swallowing

heartburn

pain or burning in the throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Awareness of heartbeat

cough (dry, continuing)

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally upper chest

sleepiness

Incidence not known

Acid or sour stomach

belching

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

body aches or pain

congestion

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

fear

frequent urination

inability to have or keep an erection

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

muscle or bone pain

runny nose

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleeplessness

small lump under the skin

stomach discomfort or upset

sudden sweating

swelling

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble with sleeping

trouble with swallowing

unable to sleep

voice changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: amlodipine and benazepril side effects (in more detail)

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Search Articles Directory United States of America

Monday 1 October 2012

amlodipine and benazepril