About Lotrel

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Lotrel.

Lotrel is composed of two medications: benazepril and amlodipine. Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor medication that inhibits the constriction of blood vessels by blocking the enzyme that forms the hormone angiotensin. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker medication, which has a similar effect on blood vessels. Lotrel is used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. Lotrel is usually used after other medications have not been successful in treating hypertension.

Take Lotrel at the same time every day. Lotrel can be taken with or without a meal. It is easy to become dehydrated when taking Lotrel; call your doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Patients taking Lotrel require frequent blood pressure monitoring. Do not stop taking Lotrel even if you feel better; high blood pressure can cause significant cardiovascular damage without causing any noticeable symptoms. Avoid alcohol and do not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or potassium supplements when taking Lotrel.

Side effects of Lotrel include cough, dizziness, insomnia, headache, flushed skin, constipation, diarrhea, decreased sex drive, and muscle aches. More serious side effects that are possible with Lotrel that require immediate medical attention include chest pain, problems swallowing, changes in frequency of urination, rapid weight gain, swelling, flu-like symptoms with fever, and signs of liver failure, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, and discolored stools. Some side effects may have a delayed onset with Lotrel.