Uses

What is amlodipine/benazepril used for?

Amlodipine/benazepril is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Amlodipine/benazepril may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does amlodipine/benazepril work (mechanism of action)?

Amlodipine and benazepril relax your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily.

This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How is amlodipine/benazepril supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lotrel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg/10 mg oral capsules
  • 5 mg/10 mg, 5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg oral capsules
  • 10 mg/20 mg, 10 mg/40 mg oral capsules

How should I store amlodipine/benazepril?

Amlodipine/benazepril should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of amlodipine/benazepril?

The most common side effects of amlodipine/benazepril are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cough
  • Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)

There may be other side effects of amlodipine/benazepril that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of amlodipine/benazepril?

While less common, the most serious side effects of amlodipine/benazepril are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Angioedema. Amlodipine/benazepril may cause a reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop using the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If it is causing problems breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Chest Pain or Heart Attack. When you first start taking amlodipine/benazepril or increase your dose, your chest pain (angina) may get worse or you may have a heart attack. This risk is higher if you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease, a condition where the blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart get blocked. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Severe chest pain, which may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching
  • Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
  • Cold sweat
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Amlodipine/benazepril may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking amlodipine/benazepril. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Amlodipine/benazepril can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level. 

  • Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking amlodipine/benazepril. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Amlodipine/benazepril may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking amlodipine/benazepril and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use amlodipine/benazepril?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take amlodipine/benazepril.

  • Lotrel
  • Amlodipine
  • Benazepril
  • Any other medicine known as an ACE inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amlodipine/benazepril products they stock.

History of Angioedema. Amlodipine/benazepril may cause a rare reaction called angioedema, where there is swelling under the skin. This medicine should not be used if you have had angioedema.

Drug Interactions. Amlodipine/benazepril should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking amlodipine/benazepril, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about amlodipine/benazepril before using it?

Do not take amlodipine/benazepril unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share amlodipine/benazepril with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep amlodipine/benazepril out of the reach of children.

Amlodipine/benazepril can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how amlodipine/benazepril affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amlodipine/benazepril?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amlodipine/benazepril is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Diabetes
  • Imbalanced electrolytes
  • Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea

Pregnancy. Amlodipine/benazepril may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking amlodipine/benazepril right away and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding. Amlodipine/benazepril passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does amlodipine/benazepril interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between amlodipine/benazepril and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect amlodipine/benazepril. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking amlodipine/benazepril.

Does amlodipine/benazepril interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking amlodipine/benazepril.

  • Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
  • Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), which is a medicine for heart failure
  • Simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Probenecid, which is commonly used for gout
  • A medicine such as everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress), sirolimus (Rapamune and others), or temsirolimus (Torisel), which is commonly used to treat cancer or after an organ transplant
  • Any medicine used for bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin
  • Any medicine used for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure and other conditions
  • Any medicine used for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Any medicine for diabetes
  • Any medicine for high blood pressure 

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of amlodipine/benazepril, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amlodipine/benazepril. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Amlodipine/Benazepril (Lotrel) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much amlodipine/benazepril?

If you or someone else has used too much amlodipine/benazepril, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of amlodipine/benazepril?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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