What is amlodipine-benazepril? Learn about the side effects, dosage, uses, and more of this prescription drug combination. Discover the FDA warnings and other important information.

Understanding Amlodipine-Benazepril

Amlodipine-benazepril is a prescription drug combination that is used to treat high blood pressure. It is made up of two different types of medication: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. These two drugs work together to help relax and widen blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure.

Availability and Branding

Amlodipine-benazepril is available as a brand-name drug called Lotrel, as well as in generic form. Generic drugs typically cost less than the brand-name version, but may not be available in every strength or form.

FDA Warnings and Precautions

Amlodipine-benazepril carries a black box warning, the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning advises that the drug should not be used during pregnancy, as it can harm or even end the pregnancy. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this medication, they should stop using it immediately.

Other warnings and precautions include the risk of allergic reaction, low blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack in those with severe heart disease.

Side Effects

The more common side effects of amlodipine-benazepril include cough, dizziness, headaches, and swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe allergic reaction, low blood pressure, liver problems, and kidney problems.

Dosage and Administration

Amlodipine-benazepril is taken orally in the form of a capsule. The dosage is typically started at a lower level and then increased as needed to achieve the desired blood pressure reduction. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider and not to adjust the dosage without their guidance.

Drug Interactions

Amlodipine-benazepril can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs that a patient may be taking. These interactions can be harmful or prevent the drug from working effectively. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to help avoid potential interactions.

Usage as Part of Combination Therapy

Amlodipine-benazepril may be used as part of a combination therapy, meaning it is taken along with other drugs. This is often the case when other medications alone have not been effective in lowering a patient’s blood pressure.

How Does Amlodipine-Benazepril Work?

Amlodipine-benazepril works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, prevents calcium from entering the muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax. Benazepril, an ACE inhibitor, helps to lower blood pressure by preventing the production of a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.

When is Amlodipine-Benazepril Prescribed?

Amlodipine-benazepril is typically prescribed when other medications have not been effective in lowering a patient’s blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

What are the Potential Side Effects of Amlodipine-Benazepril?

The more common side effects of amlodipine-benazepril include cough, dizziness, headaches, and swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe allergic reaction, low blood pressure, liver problems, and kidney problems.

How Should Amlodipine-Benazepril Be Taken?

Amlodipine-benazepril is taken orally in the form of a capsule. The dosage is typically started at a lower level and then increased as needed to achieve the desired blood pressure reduction. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider and not to adjust the dosage without their guidance.

Can Amlodipine-Benazepril Interact with Other Medications?

Yes, amlodipine-benazepril can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs that a patient may be taking. These interactions can be harmful or prevent the drug from working effectively. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to help avoid potential interactions.

Is Amlodipine-Benazepril Used as Part of Combination Therapy?

Yes, amlodipine-benazepril may be used as part of a combination therapy, meaning it is taken along with other drugs. This is often the case when other medications alone have not been effective in lowering a patient’s blood pressure.