Amlobenz : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Health, Medications

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not take Amlobenz if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Amlobenz, call your doctor immediately. Amlobenz may harm the fetus.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Amlobenz (Amlodipine and Benazepril) is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not have to pump as hard. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by reducing certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, so blood flows more fluidly.

High blood pressure is a common condition and, when left untreated, it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs can cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medications, making lifestyle changes will also help control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising for at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and consuming alcohol in moderation.

How should this medicine be used?

Amlobenz (Amlodipine and Benazepril) comes as capsules to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To remind you to take Amlobenz, take them at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand. Take Amlobenz exactly as directed. Do not take more or less, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Amlobenz controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Keep taking Amlobenz even if you feel fine. Do not stop taking Amlobenz without consulting your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Amlobenz,

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc, in Caduet, others), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril ( Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Amlobenz capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you stopped taking them within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Amlobenz, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Amlobenz if you have diabetes and are also taking aliskiren.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics (‘water pills’), lithium (Lithobid), and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have recently had severe diarrhea or vomiting and if you have or have ever had diabetes; heart failure; lupus; scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs); or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Amlobenz.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Amlobenz may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

cough
headache
dizziness
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
hoarseness
difficulty swallowing or breathing
fainting
severe skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
more frequent or more severe chest pain

Amlobenz can cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and others cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department to find out about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA Safe Drug Disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, since many containers (such as those containing weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not resistant to children and small children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medicine in a safe place, one that is upright and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to Amlobenz. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Amlobenz.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

Amlobenz^®
Lotrel^®

Disclaimer: We have made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.