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Amlodipine (Benazepril)

 

Amlodipine / Benazepril (generic Lotrel) Review

brand name: Norvasc
generic names: Amlodipine besilate, Amlodipine

How does it work?

Istin tablets contain the active ingredient amlodipine besilate, which is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. (NB. Amlodipine tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Calcium channel blockers act on the heart and blood vessels.

Amlodipine works by slowing the movement of calcium through the muscle cells that are found in the walls of blood vessels. It does this by blocking 'calcium channels' in these muscle cells. Calcium is needed by muscle cells in order for them to contract, so by depriving them of calcium, amlodipine causes the muscle cells to relax.

Amlodipine acts specifically on the muscle cells in the walls of arteries, causing them to relax. This allows the arteries in the body to widen, an effect that has two main uses.

The relaxing and widening of the small arteries in the body decreases the resistance that the heart has to push against in order to pump the blood around the body. This reduces the pressure within the blood vessels. Amlodipine can therefore be used to treat high blood pressure.

The widening effect on the small arteries and the arteries in the heart also improves the blood and therefore oxygen supply to the heart. This feature means amlodipine can be used to treat angina. The chest pain of angina is caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. As amlodipine improves this oxygen supply, and also reduces the effort the heart has to make to pump blood, it can be taken regularly to prevent angina attacks.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•heart problems, including heart failure or aortic stenosis
•liver disease
•low blood pressure
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Amlodipine (Lotrel), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Before using Amlodipine (Lotrel) :

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

• if you have heart failure, very low blood pressure, or liver problems
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amlodipine (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.

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

• Sildenafil because the risk of low blood pressure may be increased
• Vasopressin receptor antagonists (eg, conivaptan) because they may increase the risk of Amlodipine (Lotrel) 's side effects

Most important fact about Norvasc

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Norvasc regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Norvasc; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Norvasc does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

What is it used for?

• A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion (Prinzmetal's angina)
  
  
• Angina pectoris
  
  
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
  
  

How should I take this medicine?

Take Amlodipine (Lotrel) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take the tablets with or without food. Do not significantly increase grapefruit juice intake while taking this drug, or avoid grapefruit juice if possible. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.