amlodipine and benazepril, Lotrel (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Amlodipine increases blood levels of simvastatin (Zocor). The dose of simvastatin should be limited to 20 mg daily when combined with amlodipine.

PREGNANCY: ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Small amounts of benazepril are excreted in breast milk. It is not known whether amlodipine is excreted in breast milk. Lotrel or nursing should be discontinued.

SIDE EFFECTS: Lotrel causes the same side effects as benazepril and amlodipine. Common side of Lotrel include water retention (edema) in legs and arms, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, sexual problems, and drowsiness. Overgrowth of gums, heart palpitations, anemia, reduced number of platelets, and serious skin reactions also may occur.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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