Lotrel is a combination of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor - benazepril - and a calcium channel blocker - amlodipine. It is used for blood pressure control.
The combination product is able to increase compliance and, because lower doses are needed, is an ideal combination for geriatric people, small frail individuals, and people with liver insufficiency.
Containing two ingredients, Lotrel works in two different ways. The benazepril inhibits an enzyme, ACE, which is involved in the angiotensin-renin system. This system plays an integral role in blood pressure control, and with ACE inhibition blood pressure is lowered.
Blood vessels have calcium channels or "pathways" in their walls. Calcium moves along these channels being involved in blood vessel constriction. The calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, affects how calcium moves along these channels resulting in relaxed blood vessel walls and reduced blood pressure.
The combination product is well tolerated with only mild to moderate side effects - edema, heart palpitations, postural hypotension, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, cough.
People taking this combination product need to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting - postural hypotension.
Because it lowers blood pressure, any other drug that also lowers blood pressure will have an additive effect.
Clin Pharm 1982;1:17
The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.