Amlodipine/Benazepril (By mouth)
am-LOE-di-peen BES-i-late, ben-AZ-e-pril hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker.
Drug classes
ACE Inhibitor/Calcium Channel Blocker Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Amlodipine and benazepril is a combination of medicines that are 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. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. This relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you missed your last dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Some medicines can affect how amlodipine/benazepril works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Aliskiren, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, everolimus, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, probenecid, ritonavir, simvastatin, sirolimus, temsirolimus Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) to treat high blood pressure or heart failure Diuretics (water pills), including amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene Insulin or oral diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxenAsk your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amlodipine, benazepril, or another ACE inhibitor, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, or a history of allergies or asthma.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Angioedema (severe swelling) Worsening chest pain or increased risk of heart attack Serious liver or kidney problemsThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry cough
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lotrel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.