Lotrel (Amlodipine Besylate and Benazepril HCl) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Lotrel

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What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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Lotrel

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Lotrel
(amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride)

WARNING

FETAL TOXICITY

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Lotrel as soon as possible (5.4). Drugs that act directly on the reninangiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. See WARNINGS.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Lotrel is a combination of amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride.

Benazepril hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble ( > 100 mg/mL) in water, in ethanol, and in methanol. Benazepril hydrochloride's chemical name is 3-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-(3S)-benzazepine-1-acetic acid monohydrochloride; its structural formula is

Benazepril hydrochloride Structural Formula Illustration

Its empirical formula is C₂₄H₂₈N₂O₅•HCl, and its molecular weight is 460.96.

Benazeprilat, the active metabolite of benazepril, is a nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Benazepril is converted to benazeprilat by hepatic cleavage of the ester group.

Amlodipine besylate is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol. Its chemical name is (R,S)3-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(2-aminoethoxymethyl)-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-methyl3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate benzenesulfonate; its structural formula is

Amlodipine besylate Structural Formula Illustration

Its empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₅ClN₂O₅•C₆H₆O₃S, and its molecular weight is 567.1.

Amlodipine besylate is the besylate salt of amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.

Lotrel capsules are formulated in six different strengths for oral administration with a combination of amlodipine besylate equivalent to 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg of amlodipine, with 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of benazepril hydrochloride providing for the following available combinations: 2.5/10 mg, 5/10 mg, 5/20 mg, 5/40 mg, 10/20 mg and 10/40 mg.

The inactive ingredients of the capsules are calcium phosphate, cellulose compounds, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, gelatin, hydrogenated castor oil (not present in 5/40 mg or 10/40 mg strengths), iron oxides, lactose, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch (potato) glycolate, starch (corn), talc, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and benazepril (Lotrel)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction if you are African-American.

Some side effects of amlodipine and benazepril may not occur until after you have been using the medication for several months.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling light-headed, fainting;

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What are the precautions when taking amlodipine besylate and benazepril hcl (Lotrel)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine or benazepril; or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine); or to other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), liver disease, a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), collagen vascular...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.