Lotrel is the brand name of a combination of benazepril and amlodipine, medicines used in the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Benazepril is known as an ACE, or an angiotensin-converting enzyme, inhibitor that helps prevent the constriction of blood vessels. This helps blood to flow more easily and eases the burden on the heart. Amlodipine is a kind of a medication called a calcium channel blocker that also relaxes your blood vessels.
Serious Side Effects
Taking the benazepril and amlodipine combination Lotrel can produce some serious side effects that require you to consult your doctor immediately. These may include swelling in the legs, ankles or feet; fainting; lightheadedness; and dizziness. Serious rare side effects from Lotrel, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include skin yellowing, gum bleeding, mouth blisters, eye yellowing, blisters on other areas of the body, abnormal tiredness, fever, uncommon weakness, nosebleeds, vomiting, nausea, abnormal bruising and nausea. Others may include uncommon bleeding; skin paleness; throat soreness; the sudden appearance of sores on the lips, in the mouth or on the legs, hands, feet or arms; sudden breathing or swallowing difficulties; facial or extremity swelling; and pain in the stomach. You also may experience indigestion and chest pain.
Pregnancy
ACE inhibitors such as benazepril found in Lotrel, according to RxList.com, have been reported to cause serious and potentially fatal side effects when they are administered to pregnant women. Unborn children can die from exposure to Lotrel. If the medication is administered later in pregnancy, it can cause severe birth defects to the child that may not be survivable. The baby may experience low blood pressure or hypotension, decreased growth and fatal renal failure.
Non-Serious Side Effects
Lotrel also may cause some side effects that aren't serious, but may be annoying. If they don't disappear as you use the medicine more, tell your doctor about them. These may include decreased libido, continual dry coughing, bodily flushing, increased urination, fear, insomnia, constipation, impotence, a lump that appears under the skin, a runny nose, decreases in bodily strength, trembling, shaking, skin cracking and changes in your voice.
