Information on the Blood Pressure Medicine Lotrel

Lotrel is a prescription medication that's primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lotrel contains a combination of the drugs Amlodipine; a calcium channel blocker and Benazepril; and an angiotensin converting enzyme (referred to as ACE). Lotrel is frequently utilized as a preemptive measure, as untreated hypertension can lead to serious medical problems such as heart attack, stroke and diseases of the kidney.

Features

• Amlodipine, the calcium channel blocker (or calcium antagonist), works to enhance blood flow by easing the blood vessels so they are able to expand and widen. ACE inhibitors like Benazepril, work to decrease the enzyme ACE's action. By inhibiting the above, blood vessels can broaden or expand, and blood pressure can drop. Once this happens, the heart's overall health and ability to function (pump blood) increases.

Administration

• Lotrel dosages are prescribed according to a patient's medical condition and her reaction to the treatment. Lotrel is not intended to alleviate symptoms and lower a person's blood pressure immediately; it can take up to several weeks for the medication to reach its full level of effectiveness. It's important that Lotrel be taken as prescribed (generally once daily) and consistently. Taking the medication at the same time every day is advised, as it needs to be used consistently to achieve the benefit.

Dosages

• Lotrel is taken orally in the form of a capsule. Depending on the dosage, the medication contains different strengths of the ingredients amlodipine and benazepril. The amlodipine in the capsules ranges in potency from 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg and, the benazepril strength is equivalent to 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg. All together there are six different combination strengths that are available.

Identification

• Lotrel dosages may be modified and or decreased to best suit the patient. The capsule strengths are made to be easily distinguished from one another. Lotrel 2.5 mg/10 mg is white with gold bands, Lotrel 5 mg/10 mg is brown with white bands, Lotrel 5 mg/20 mg is pink with white bands, Lotrel 5 mg/40 mg is a light blue capsule with white bands, and Lotrel 10 mg/20 mg is a purple capsule with white bands.

Side Effects

• Side effects of Lotrel include fatigue, light-headedness and dry cough. These effects tend to decrease once the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Serious side effects include fainting, decreased libido, infection or flu-like symptoms and increased or decreased urine amounts. Signs of an allergic reaction to Lotrel include: breathing difficulty, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat and extreme dizziness. It's important to drink at least six glasses of water per day while taking the medication to prevent dehydration. In some cases, patients don't experience any side effects, until they've been on the medication for a couple of months. Prior to starting Lotrel, it's important to inform your doctor of any and all preexisting medical conditions you have, medications you are taking and allergies.