Lotrel - Key Information and Lotrel Side Effects

Lotrel, which is a type of calcium channel blocker drug, enables the blood vessels to be relaxed and widens them, hence able to facilitate better blood flow.

It is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), converts enzymes and prevents the body from retaining water. This is because water retention will increase blood pressure.

Lotrel is a very popular drug for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), but it is usually taken when all other medications do not work as it may have serious side effects.

You should only take Lotrel only if your doctor gives you the permission. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, most likely your doctor will advise you not to take it. The medication may cause harm and birth defects to your fetus. Thus, you may need to use birth control while having treatment.

Lotrel Side Effects

Lotrel may have some serious side effects depending on your current conditions. This is the reason why Lotrel is usually taken as a last resort when all other methods are not effective.

The drug can cause you to lose alertness and mess up your mind and reactions. You may be need to stop doing activities that require you to have alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

After taking Lotrel, its side effects may not show instantly. Most often, they will not start appearing until several months of treatment. Some of the usual symptoms are heavy sweating, diarrhea and feeling nausea. They will cause you to dehydrate.

If the above symptoms continue to worsen, they can lead on to extreme low blood pressure, kidney failure and electrolyte disorders. Hence, you should always replenish yourself with water and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day while you are on Lotrel treatment.

Additional Information

Do not take Lotrel if you are allergic to Benazepril, Amlodipine or other ACE inhibitors. If you have liver problems, congestive heart failure, diabetes or kidney disease, your body's reaction to Lotrel medication may change. You need to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have the conditions above, so that he can adjust the dosage or change another prescription for you.

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