High blood pressure , or as we all know it, “ pressure, ” is a condition that many people in our country are currently experiencing. Sometimes it can be difficult to control your blood pressure with just one medication. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a capsule that combines two medications. Today, we are going to talk about one such medication, Amlodipine and Benazepril.
What are amlodipine and benazepril?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. It is used to control high blood pressure. It contains:
1. Amlodipine: This belongs to a class of drugs called `Calcium Channel Blocker`. This works by relaxing the walls of your blood vessels. Just like widening a water pipe reduces the pressure on the water, when the blood vessels relax, blood can flow more easily. Then the pressure decreases.
2. Benazepril: This is a drug in a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. Our body has a natural chemical that causes blood vessels to tighten and constrict. This drug works by reducing the action of that chemical.
When these two medications are combined, the blood vessels relax and blood pressure is effectively controlled. Sometimes, your doctor may also prescribe this medication for other health problems.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is important for your doctor to know your complete health history before deciding if this medication is right for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because these organs remove drugs from the body, problems with their function can alter the effects of the drug. |
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems | This helps determine the dosage and type of medication based on your heart condition. |
| If you have previously had swelling of the tongue, face, or lips and difficulty breathing (Angioedema) | This medication carries a risk of such a dangerous allergic reaction recurring. |
| Immune system diseases (e.g., lupus) or bone marrow diseases | These conditions can change the response to the drug and the side effects. |
| If you are on a low-salt diet | The doctor should be aware of this as it affects blood pressure and the body's salt balance. |
| If you have allergies to other medications, insect stings, foods, dyes, or preservatives | This is important to assess the possibility that you may also be allergic to this medication. |
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine is a capsule to take by mouth. It is important to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has told you. You can take it with or without food. However, if you have stomach upset, it is best to take it with food. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and even supplements, because some medications can interact with these and cause problems.
| Medicines that should never be taken | – Sacubitril; valsartan |
| Other drugs that may interact |
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Additionally, if you smoke or drink alcohol, tell your doctor about that as well.
Things to consider when taking medication
It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your health while taking this medicine.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Check your blood pressure regularly as your doctor tells you. Learn what your normal blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor . If you feel your heart rate is unusually fast, tell your doctor immediately.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.. Especially if you are an elderly person, be careful when getting up from a sitting position and when sitting down from a standing position. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness and dizziness worse.
Special attention during pregnancy
Women should be especially careful about this. If you are trying to get pregnant or have any suspicions that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. This medicine can cause serious side effects for the unborn baby.
Other important points
- If you have severe diarrhea , vomiting , or excessive sweating , tell your doctor about it. This medicine can be dangerous if you lose a lot of fluid from your body.
- Some people have had severe allergic reactions to insect venom desensitization treatments or some dialysis treatments. If you are scheduled to have such treatments, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
- Do not take salt substitutes without your doctor's advice. They may contain too much potassium.
- Ask your doctor before buying medicine from the pharmacy for coughs, colds, or pain. Because some medicines contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, painful dry cough |
| Heart problems | Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat |
| Other serious symptoms | Swelling in the ankles and legs, stomach pain, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth) |
| Minor side effects | Drowsiness or dizziness, headache, facial flushing |
How do you store and keep the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius) in a moisture-free place.
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and any medical conditions you may have.
- If your face or lips swell, you have difficulty breathing, or you feel dizzy after taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
Amlodipine, Benazepril, Lotrel, high blood pressure, pressure medication, heart disease
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