Indications
- This medication combines two types of drugs: a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an ACE inhibitor (benazepril).
- It treats high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.
- Lowering high blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Dosage and administration
- Ask your pharmacist for the leaflet if you don’t have it already. It has important information about the medication.
- If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
- This medication is typically taken by mouth, with or without food, once a day. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you.
- Take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit.
- High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so keep taking your medication even if you feel good.
- It can take 1 to 2 weeks to feel the full effects of this medication.
- If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens (especially if your blood pressure readings stay high), let your doctor know.
Side effects
- Upset stomach, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Dry cough or swelling of the hands/feet/ankles may also happen.
- Inform your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.
- Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Serious side effects are rare but seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), or signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
- This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking this medication, inform your doctor about any allergies you have to this drug, other medications, or any other substances.
- Share your medical history, especially if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or high blood potassium levels.
- Limit alcoholic beverages and avoid using salt substitutes containing potassium while taking this medication.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
- This medication may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
- If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor and report any changes.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and high potassium levels.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.