What is the most important information I should know about Amlodipine Benazepril?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or benazepril (Lotensin), or if you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction).
You should not use amlodipine and benazepril if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Do not take amlodipine and benazepril if you are pregnant. Amlodipine and benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Amlodipine and benazepril may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Some side effects of amlodipine and benazepril may not occur until after you have been using the medication for several months.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Amlodipine Benazepril?

You should not use this medication if:

• you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or benazepril (Lotensin)
• you have ever had angioedema (hives or severe swelling of deep skin tissues sometimes caused by allergic reaction); or
• you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik)

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an amlodipine and benazepril dose adjustment or special tests:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• heart disease or congestive heart failure
• diabetes; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Amlodipine and benazepril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Amlodipine and benazepril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Amlodipine Benazepril Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Amlodipine Benazepril?

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:

• trouble swallowing
• chest pain
• feeling like you might pass out
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all
• swelling, rapid weight gain
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough
• dizziness, headache
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin)
• diarrhea, constipation
• muscle pain; or
• loss of interest in sex

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Amlodipine Benazepril Interactions

What other drugs affect Amlodipine Benazepril?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• gold injections to treat arthritis
• a shot for bee-sting allergy
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con
• salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
• a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), bumetanide (Bumex), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zarxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), torsemide (Demadex)

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with amlodipine and benazepril. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Amlodipine Benazepril?

Amlodipine and benazepril may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of amlodipine and benazepril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking amlodipine and benazepril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Amlodipine Benazepril Dosage

How should I take Amlodipine Benazepril?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Amlodipine and benazepril can be taken with or without food. Space your doses evenly by taking the medication at the same times each day.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and benazepril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Amlodipine Benazepril?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Amlodipine Benazepril?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com