Drug Uses

Apart from High blood pressure, Lotensin is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, and chronic renal failure.

Usage

Take Lotensin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Lotensin can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended that you do not use salt substitutes containing potassium.

Missed Dose

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "make up� for the missed dose by doubling the dose.

Storage

Protect it from light and store it at room temperature.

Overdose

The most likely symptom of a Lotensin overdose is low blood pressure. If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Discuss in detail with your doctor any ailments that you may be suffering from. For example, poor kidney function, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Do not consume alcohol while using the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Lotensin should not be taken by people with a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, and can lead to serious breathing difficulties. Lotensin can interact with diuretics (water pills) and other blood pressure medicines to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can result in symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Worsening of kidney function has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients with severe heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. Combining lotensin with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin (Indocin) and possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the blood pressure lowering effect of lotensin. In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been reported with the use of another ACE inhibitor. Low white blood cells increase the patient's risk of infections. When taken with lithium, lotensin can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Safe use in children is not established. It is not habit forming. ACE inhibitors, including lotensin, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.

Possible Side Effects

Lotensin is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild and transient. A dry, persistent cough has been reported with the use of lotensin and other ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the medication. Other side effects are rare and include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness or fainting, fever, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, rash, and a sore or swollen throat. In rare instances, liver dysfunction and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE inhibitors.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.

If you will be taking this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.