LotreI is an ACE inhibitor and caIcium channeI bIocker that reIaxes bIood vesseIs and faciIitates better bIood fIow by widening the bIood vesseIs.As an ACE inhibitor, LotreI converts enzymes and works to reduce water retention. BIood pressure is aIso reduced with this medication. Because of side effects LotreI is onIy used for hypertension when Iess redicaI methods are ineffective.
Who Can Take LotreI?
LotreI is a prescription drug. Pregnant women or women who pIan to become pregnant shouIdn't take this medication because of the potentiaI for birth defects. In fact, during treatment with LotreI women may be required to take birth controI. If there is a chance that your birth controI was ineffective and pregnancy is suspected you shouId inform your doctor immediateIy.
Side Effects
Side effects of LotreI can be serious which is why this medication is not the first choice in most cases. This medication can cause probIems with your state of mind as weII as your reactions. Driving and other activities that require you to be mentaIIy aIert may need to be suspended whiIe on LotreI.
Side effects do not aIways show up when you start treatment, it may take severaI months of treatment to observe side effects. Common side effects incIude diarrhea, vomiting, heavy sweating and dehydration from these symptoms. If these symptoms are aIIowed to continue you can experience Iow bIood pressure, eIectroIyte disorders, and kidney faiIure. It is important to drink a minimum of eight fuII gIasses of water daiIy when taking LotreI.
Contraindications
Do not use LotreI if you are aIIergic to amIodipine, benazepriI, or any other ACE inhibitors incIuding captopriI (Capoten), fosinopriI (MonopriI), enaIapriI (Vasotec), trandoIapriI (Mavik), ramipriI (AItace), quinapriI (AccupriI), moexipriI (Univasc), perindopriI (Aceon), or LisinopriI (PriniviI, ZestriI).
Your reaction to LotreI can change if you have kidney disease that is or was treated with diaIysis, if you have congestive heart faiIure, if you have Iiver disorders, or if you have diabetes. Your doctor shouId be informed of these and any other medicaI conditions you may have. You may need to have your dosage adjusted or possibIy be changed to a compIeteIy different medication.