Amlodipine and Benazepril (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING
Do not take amlodipine and benazepril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine and benazepril, call your doctor immediately. Amlodipine and benazepril may harm the fetus.

Why this medication is prescribed
The combination of amlodipine and benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.

How this medication should be used
The combination of amlodipine and benazepril comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take amlodipine and benazepril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amlodipine and benazepril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Amlodipine and benazepril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take amlodipine and benazepril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amlodipine and benazepril without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special Precautions
Before taking amlodipine and benazepril:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and potassium supplements. *Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have or have ever had heart failure; lupus; scleroderma; heart, liver, or kidney disease; or diabetes.
 * tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amlodipine and benazepril.

Special dietary instructions
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Amlodipine and benazepril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * cough
 * headache
 * dizziness
 * swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Severe Side Effects
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:


 * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
 * hoarseness
 * difficulty swallowing or breathing
 * fainting
 * severe skin rash
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes
 * more frequent or more severe chest pain

Amlodipine and benazepril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to amlopidine and benazepril. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amlodipine and benazepril.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Lotrel®