What is Amlodipine-Benazepril? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. 

Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

Take the capsules at the same time every day.

Capsules can be taken with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water.

Store the capsules in a closed container at room temperature in a dry place.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. 

If more than 12 hours have elapsed since the missed dose, do not take the missed dose.

Take the next dose at its scheduled time. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• A history of head and neck swelling (angioedema) 

• Known allergies to amlodipine, benazepril, or ACE inhibitors

It is not safe to take benazepril while pregnant. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Heart disease

• Blood vessel problems

• Diabetes

• Repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking amlodipine-benazepril.

In particular, inform any doctor or dentist about taking amlodipine-benazepril before you undergo:

• Surgery

• Kidney dialysis

• Allergy shots for bee stings

The prescriber will need to regularly check you and perform blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and safety of your treatment. Keep all appointments.

Amlodipine-benazepril can cause serious adverse effects, including:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)

• Severe swelling (angioedema)

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems 

Amlodipine-besylate can cause severe low blood pressure. The risk is greater if you are sweating, dehydrated, salt-depleted, or taking other blood pressure medications or diuretics. Tell the doctor if you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.

Though rare, people with existing heart problems may have a heart attack or experience worsening of any existing chest pain when first starting amlodipine. 

Do not stop using this medicine without talking to the prescriber first.

Do not use amlodipine-benazepril with:

• Aliskiren

• Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)

To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking, particularly:

• Other blood pressure medications, especially angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or other ACE inhibitors

• Potassium supplements or potassium salt substitutes

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone

• Drugs that treat heart failure

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Diabetes drugs, including insulin

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

• Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin

• Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors

• Oral azole antifungals such as ketoconazole

• Cyclosporine, everolimus, gold injections, lithium, Paxlovid, probenecid, sildenafil, simvastatin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus 

Inform other healthcare professionals about taking amlodipine-benazepril before they prescribe new medications.

Consult with your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Avoid alcohol unless the prescriber says it’s okay.