amlodipine/benazepril

Name: amlodipine/benazepril — FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Reviewed byPlainmeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team · June 5, 2026

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Brand names: Lotrel

Calcium Channel Blocker / ACE Inhibitor Combination Rx

Lotrel is a combination medicine that contains amlodipine and benazepril. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$12.23/unit

Generic Available

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

Lotrel is used to treat high blood pressure.

Common side effects

Cough, Headache, Dizziness

Key warnings

This medicine can harm your unborn baby or cause death.

How It Works

Lotrel contains two medicines that work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Benazepril lowers blood pressure by preventing your body from making a substance that narrows blood vessels.

How to Take It

Take Lotrel capsules once a day, by mouth. You can take it with or without food. Your doctor will start you on a low dose, such as 2.5/10 mg. They may increase your dose slowly over a few weeks, up to 10/40 mg once daily, depending on how well it works for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Do not take Lotrel if you are pregnant. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Storage

Store Lotrel capsules at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) and protect them from moisture.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 118,800 FDA adverse event reports.

Tiredness

15,696

Diarrhea

14,038

Feeling sick to your stomach

13,425

Shortness of breath

13,222

Medicine not working

12,075

Using medicine for unapproved purpose

11,242

Feeling lightheaded

10,671

Head pain

9,887

Sudden kidney damage

9,369

Discomfort

9,175

Serious Warnings

This medicine can harm your unborn baby or cause death. If you become pregnant, stop taking Lotrel and tell your doctor right away.

Known Drug Interactions

major amlodipine

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Potassium supplements/potassium-sparing diuretics: hyperkalemia ( 7.1 ) • Lithium: Increased serum lithium levels; toxicity symptoms ( 7.1 ) • Injectable gold: facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension ( 7.1 ) • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Risk of renal dysfunction, loss of antihypertensive effect ( 7.1 ) • Do not exceed doses greater than 20 mg daily of simvastatin ( 7.1 ) • mTOR inhibitors: increased risk of angioedema ( 7.1 ) • Dual inhibition of the RAS: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia ( 7.1 ) • Neprilysin i...

Mechanism: This combination pill already contains amlodipine, so taking extra amlodipine separately can lead to an overdose and dangerously low blood pressure.

What to do: Check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are not accidentally taking the same medicine in two different pills.

major simvastatin

Mechanism: The amlodipine in this combination pill increases the amount of simvastatin that stays in your bloodstream.

What to do: Do not take more than 20 mg of simvastatin daily while you are taking this combination medicine.

major lithium

Mechanism: Benazepril can make it harder for the kidneys to remove lithium from the body, causing lithium levels to rise. This increase can lead to lithium poisoning or other serious side effects.

What to do: Your doctor should check your lithium blood levels often to make sure they stay in a safe range. They may need to change your lithium dose while you take this medicine.

major aliskiren

Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS): Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Do not coadminister aliskiren with Lotrel in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with Lotrel in patients with renal impairment [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min].

Mechanism: Both of these drugs target the same system that controls blood pressure, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This combination also increases the risk of kidney damage and high potassium levels.

What to do: Avoid taking these drugs together, especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Your doctor will likely choose a different treatment to protect your kidneys.

moderate spironolactone

Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, and others) or potassium supplements can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, and others) or potassium supplements can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

Mechanism: Both of these medications can cause your body to hold onto potassium instead of flushing it out. This can lead to dangerously high levels of potassium in your blood.

What to do: Your doctor may need to check your blood potassium levels often or adjust your doses.

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Common Questions

What should I avoid while taking Lotrel?

Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.

Can I take Lotrel if I have kidney problems?

Talk to your doctor. They may need to adjust your dose.

How long does it take for Lotrel to work?

It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of Lotrel on your blood pressure.

What if I experience swelling while taking this medicine?

Tell your doctor right away if you have swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Lotrel?

Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while taking Lotrel, as it may lower your blood pressure too much.

Will this medicine cure my high blood pressure?

No, Lotrel helps control high blood pressure, but it is usually not a cure. You may need to take it for the rest of your life.

Can I stop taking Lotrel if my blood pressure is normal?

Do not stop taking Lotrel without talking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly.

Are there any foods I should avoid?

There are no specific foods you need to avoid while taking Lotrel, but it's always a good idea to follow a healthy diet low in salt and saturated fat.

Can I take other medicines with Lotrel?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?

Symptoms of low blood pressure can include dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

What are the common side effects of amlodipine/benazepril?

The most commonly reported side effects of amlodipine/benazepril include Cough, Headache, Dizziness, Swelling (edema). Based on 118,800 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does amlodipine/benazepril interact with other medications?

Yes, amlodipine/benazepril has 7 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include amlodipine, simvastatin, lithium. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is amlodipine/benazepril?

amlodipine/benazepril belongs to the Calcium Channel Blocker / ACE Inhibitor Combination drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Lotrel is used to treat high blood pressure.

Is amlodipine/benazepril safe during pregnancy?

Do not take Lotrel if you are pregnant. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Calcium Channel Blocker / ACE Inhibitor Combination

Other drugs grouped near amlodipine/benazepril — same-class peers and common alternatives.

acebutolol

Sectral

Acebutolol is a medicine that helps lower blood pressure and control irregular heartbeats.