Lotrel is an ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and facilitates better blood flow by widening the blood vessels.As an ACE inhibitor, Lotrel converts enzymes and works to reduce water retention. Blood pressure is also reduced with this medication. Because of side effects Lotrel is only used for hypertension when less redical methods are ineffective.
Who Can Take Lotrel?
Lotrel is a prescription drug. Pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant shouldn’t take this medication because of the potential for birth defects. In fact, during treatment with Lotrel women may be required to take birth control. If there is a chance that your birth control was ineffective and pregnancy is suspected you should inform your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Side effects of Lotrel can be serious which is why this medication is not the first choice in most cases. This medication can cause problems with your state of mind as well as your reactions. Driving and other activities that require you to be mentally alert may need to be suspended while on Lotrel.
Side effects do not always show up when you start treatment, it may take several months of treatment to observe side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, heavy sweating and dehydration from these symptoms. If these symptoms are allowed to continue you can experience low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, and kidney failure. It is important to drink a minimum of eight full glasses of water daily when taking Lotrel.
Contraindications
Do not use Lotrel if you are allergic to amlodipine, benazepril, or any other ACE inhibitors including captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), trandolapril (Mavik), ramipril (Altace), quinapril (Accupril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), or lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril).
Your reaction to Lotrel can change if you have kidney disease that is or was treated with dialysis, if you have congestive heart failure, if you have liver disorders, or if you have diabetes. Your doctor should be informed of these and any other medical conditions you may have. You may need to have your dosage adjusted or possibly be changed to a completely different medication.
