Amlodipine and benazepril is a combination of medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. This relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You might have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, strokes, or kidney disease.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Take it at the same time each day.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

 

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Confusion

dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

fast or irregular heartbeat

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Rare

Bleeding gums

chills

fever

nausea or vomiting

nosebleeds

pale skin

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

stomach pain or bloating with fever, nausea, or vomiting

swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet

trouble with swallowing or breathing (sudden) or hoarseness

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Chest pain

heartburn

pain or burning in the throat

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Cough (dry and continuous)

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally upper chest

sleepiness

Incidence not known

Belching

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

body aches or pain

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty having a bowel movement

frequent urination

inability to have or keep an erection

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

muscle or bone pain

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

stomach discomfort or upset

sudden sweating

swelling

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble with sleeping

voice changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

You should not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®) within 36 hours of each other.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting). This could be a symptom of a condition called intestinal angioedema.

This medicine may cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack in certain patients with severe heart or blood vessel disease. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, or sweating.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position or if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. If you faint, call your doctor right away.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: stomach pain, confusion, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, shortness of breath, or weakness or heaviness of the legs. Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not stop. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Before having any type of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may be less effective in black patients. Black patients also have an increased risk of swelling of the hands, arms, face, mouth, or throat. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.