Amlodipine/benazepril

Amlodipine/benazepril, marketed as Lotrel among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is a combination of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker and benazepril, a angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. It may be used if a single agent is not sufficient. It is taken by mouth. Amlodipine/benazepril, marketed as Lotrel among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is a combination of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker and benazepril, a angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. It may be used if a single agent is not sufficient. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include cough, dizziness, and swelling. Serious side effects may include angioedema, myocardial infarction, high blood potassium, liver problems, and low blood pressure. Use in pregnancy is not recommended. Amlodipine works by increasing the size of arteries while benazepril works by decreasing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity. The combination was approved for medical use in the United States in 1995. It is available as a generic medication. A month supply in the United States has a wholesale cost of about 4.50 USD. In 2016 it was the 140th most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 4 million prescriptions. It is used to treat high blood pressure. It is not a first line treatment.