Amlodipine and Benazepril are combined in this medicine.
This medicine helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Amlodipine + Benazepril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Amlodipine + Benazepril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, lips, and throat from a previous therapy with a similar medicine as Amlodipine + Benazepril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Amlodipine + Benazepril, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Amlodipine + Benazepril if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) or if you are taking other medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as aliskiren if you have diabetes. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low salt levels or fluid volume circulating in the body
- heart disease e.g. aortic or mitral stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves), heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- abnormally thick heart muscle that results in blockage of blood flow
- immune system disease affecting the collagen e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Amlodipine + Benazepril to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are of a Black race, Amlodipine + Benazepril may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you are going to undergo other procedures or treatments such as desensitisation (treatment for an allergic reaction) to wasp or bee stings, removal of cholesterol from your blood by a machine (LDL apheresis), or dialysis with high flux membranes.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Amlodipine + Benazepril may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, indigestion, tiredness, stomach pain, dry mouth, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, hands, or legs
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Amlodipine + Benazepril with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) in the last 36 hours.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or as a salt substitute)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- simvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. losartan, candesartan
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amlodipine + Benazepril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.