Health Library

Amlodipine/benazepril (By mouth)

Amlodipine (am-LOE-di-peen), Benazepril (ben-AZ-e-pril)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Lotrel

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you missed your last dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
• Do not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan within 36 hours of each other.
• Some medicines can affect how amlodipine/benazepril works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aliskiren, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, everolimus, gold injection, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, probenecid, ritonavir, simvastatin, sirolimus, temsirolimus
  • Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) to treat high blood pressure or heart failure
  • Diuretics (water pills), including amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, or diabetes.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Angioedema (severe swelling), including head, neck, and intestinal swelling
  • Worsening chest pain or increased risk of heart attack
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry cough

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024