Lotrel (Amlodipine Besylate/Benazepril HCl)

Lotrel is a combination medicine that contains two medications: amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and benazepril (angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor). Lotrel is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering of blood pressure may reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Lotrel can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal [stomach] pain). You may have an increased risk of experiencing these symptoms if you have ever had an allergy to ACE inhibitor-type medicines or if you are African American. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away. If you experience chest pain that gets worse, or that does not go away during treatment with Lotrel, get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if you experience lightheadedness, especially during the first few weeks of Lotrel therapy. If you faint, stop taking Lotrel and tell your doctor right away. If you become pregnant while you are taking Lotrel, stop taking it and call your doctor right away. Lotrel can harm your unborn baby, causing injury or even death. Lotrel can cause liver problems. If you experience nausea, feel more tired or weaker than usual, itching, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pain in your upper right stomach area, or “flu-like” symptoms, tell your doctor right away. Lotrel may decrease your white blood cell (type of blood cells that fight infections) levels, especially if you have a collagen vascular disease (such as lupus [disease that affects the immune system]) or kidney disease. Promptly report any signs of infection (such as sore throat or fever) to your doctor.