From the Guidelines
Lotrel, a combination medication containing benazepril and amlodipine, is used to treat high blood pressure and can be prescribed in various fixed-dose combinations, including 2.5/10, 5/10, 5/20, and 10/20 mg. This medication combines an ACE inhibitor (benazepril) with a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. According to the seventh report of the joint national committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure 1, Lotrel is one of the available combination drugs for hypertension.
The typical dosing for Lotrel is based on the individual components, with benazepril doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg and amlodipine doses from 10 to 20 mg, taken once daily. The medication works by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor, thereby relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and a dry cough. It's essential to take Lotrel consistently at the same time each day, and it may be taken with or without food. Patients should be aware that this medication may increase potassium levels and should avoid potassium supplements unless directed by their doctor.
Some studies have shown that ACE inhibitors, like benazepril, have additional benefits beyond their antihypertensive capabilities, such as reducing the risk of myocardial infarction 2. However, the choice of antihypertensive medication should be individualized based on patient characteristics, such as age, sex, and comorbidities. For example, older women, particularly those with hypertension, may benefit from more intensive blood pressure control, with a target systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mmHg 3.
Key points to consider when prescribing Lotrel include:
- Monitoring blood pressure regularly to adjust the dose as needed
- Being aware of potential side effects, such as dizziness and headache
- Avoiding potassium supplements unless directed by a doctor
- Considering individual patient characteristics, such as age and sex, when choosing an antihypertensive medication. The goal of treatment with Lotrel is to reduce blood pressure and minimize the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, while also considering the potential benefits and risks of the medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
The provided drug labels do not contain information about Lotrel (Benazepril and Amlodipine) [ 4, 5 ]. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Overview of Lotrel (Benazepril and Amlodipine)
- Lotrel is a fixed-dose combination product indicated for the treatment of hypertension, combining a long-acting calcium antagonist (amlodipine) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (benazepril) 6.
- Benazepril is a nonsulfhydryl ACE inhibitor prodrug, converted in vivo to its active form, benazeprilat, which effectively decreases blood pressure in patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension 7.
Pharmacological Properties and Efficacy
- Benazepril has been shown to have beneficial effects on various indices of cardiac function and to improve clinical symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure 7, 8, 9.
- The combination of benazepril and amlodipine (Lotrel) has substantial blood pressure lowering capabilities, with a low rate of adverse events comparable to placebo 6.
- Benazepril can be safely used in renal and liver disease, with no significant difference in action between young patients and those over 55 10.
Therapeutic Uses and Administration
- Benazepril is effective in the management of hypertension, with a once-daily dosing regimen that can be taken with or without food 7, 10.
- The fixed-dose combination of amlodipine and benazepril (Lotrel) is suitable for patients who require therapy with more than one medication to achieve adequate blood pressure control 6.
- Benazepril has been used in the chronic treatment of advanced congestive heart failure, producing significant reductions in arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance, with corresponding increases in cardiac output 9.