Drug Name

Lotrel

Drug Uses

Lotrel is used for treating high blood pressure.

How to use

Use Lotrel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Lotrel by mouth with or without food.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Lotrel. Talk with you doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.

Do not take more than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Lotrel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lotrel.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Lotrel is a combination of 2 blood pressure medicines, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. It works by helping your blood vessels relax (dilate) and lower blood pressure.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Lotrel and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Lotrel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lotrel or similar medicines (eg, any other ACE inhibitor)
• you are using iron dextran by injection
• you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lotrel:
Some medical conditions may interact with Lotrel . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement, especially extra potassium or a salt substitute
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have or ever had heart failure, any heart disease, aortic stenosis (an abnormal narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve in the heart), liver or kidney problems, a kidney transplant, or diabetes
• if you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), hardening of skin disease (scleroderma), bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood pressure, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, or narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain, or if you are dehydrated
• if you are scheduled to have surgery or are to receive anesthesia or kidney dialysis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lotrel . Tell your health care provider if you are taking other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Dextran or sildenafil because the risk of serious side effects, including low blood pressure or severe allergic reactions, may be increased
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) or potassium supplements because the risk of side effects, including high potassium levels resulting in possible irregular heartbeat and stopping of the heart, may be increased
• Lithium, sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide), thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), thiopurines (eg, azathioprine), or vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan) because they may increase the risk of Lotrel 's side effects
• Insulin or oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because the risk of side effects, including low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Lotrel

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lotrel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing; headache; persistent, dry cough; swelling of the hands or feet.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; infection (fever, sore throat); irregular or slow heartbeat; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Lotrel , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Lotrel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.