Lotrel Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Lotrel is a prescription drug that contains a combination of amlodipine and benazepril. Lotrel is used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. Lotrel is classified as a calcium channel blocker, and it works by lowering levels of natural chemicals in the body that restrict blood vessels. The more-relaxed vessels allow blood to flow more easily.[1]
Like most medications, Lotrel carries the risk of certain side effects, ranging from the mild to the life threatening. Common adverse reactions include coughing, headache, dizziness and swelling. More dangerous reactions include jaundice and chest pain, although these do not occur frequently.[2]
 Lotrel | |
| Brand name for | Amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Novartis |
| Generic available? | No |
| Uses | The treatment of persistent high blood pressure |
| Common side effects | Cough, headache, dizziness, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs |
| Who should not take Lotrel | Pregnant women; anyone allergic to |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Lotrel Side Effects
The most common side effects that occur with combination amlodipine and benazepril include swollen appendages (hands, ankles and feet), aching head, coughing and feelings of dizziness. Some patients who take Lotrel will also experience more severe side effects, which warrant prompt medical analysis. These include low blood pressure (called hypotension), weakness or excessive drowsiness, itchy skin, yellow skin, yellow eyes, and stomach pain.[3]
About Drug Side Effects
Lotrel Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Lotrel can be severe in some cases, requiring medical attention. Patients with severe Lotrel allergies may experience swollen areas of the face, including lips and eyelids; breathing trouble such as wheezing; and problems with swallowing. While serious Lotrel allergies are not common, patients of African-American descent are more likely to experience them.[3]
Patients allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc), benazepril (Lotensin), or ACE inhibitors like captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik) are not good candidates for Lotrel treatment.[1]
Lotrel Precautions and Warnings
- Other prescription and nonprescription medications can interact with Lotrel, as can vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements. These include diuretics (water pills), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and potassium supplements. Doctors may need to change the doses of Lotrel or monitor for side effects.[1]
- Lotrel can cause dangerous reactions with bee or wasp sting allergy shots.[4]
- Salt substitutes that have potassium in them may cause problems with Lotrel.
- Lotrel might not be right for patients with certain medical conditions. These include diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, or any illness causing vomiting or diarrhea.[1]
- Lotrel can seriously damage unborn babies when used during pregnancy. Fertile women are instructed to use reliable birth control when taking Lotrel.[4]
- Benazepril can be transfered to infants through breast milk; it is not known if amlodipine does so.[4]
- Lotrel can cause dizziness, making it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle in some situations.[4]
- Becoming dehydrated due to excessive sweating from overexercise or heat, or from vomiting or diarrhea, can lead to dehydration that exacerbates side effects of lightheadedness.[4]
Also See: Diovan Free Samples, Norvasc Coupons, Caduet Coupons, Cozaar Side Effects, Novartis Patient Assistance Programs
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601018.html
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000024/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/product/pi/pdf/lotrel.pdf
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-16188-Lotrel+Oral.aspx?drugid=16188&drugname=Lotrel+Oral
