What is the most important information I should know about Lotensin?

• Do not take Lotensin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Lotensin can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Lotensin may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Lotensin, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Lotensin.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lotensin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Lotensin. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What is Lotensin?

• Lotensin is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
• Lotensin is used to lower high blood pressure.
• Lotensin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lotensin?

• Lotensin may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Lotensin, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Lotensin.
• Before taking Lotensin, tell your doctor if you
  • have kidney disease;
  • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
  • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone); or
  • have scleroderma or lupus.
• You may not be able to take Lotensin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Lotensin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Lotensin is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Lotensin can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take Lotensin if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether Lotensin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Lotensin?

• Take Lotensin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Lotensin can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking Lotensin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
• Store Lotensin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical treatment or consult your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of a Lotensin overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Lotensin?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lotensin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Lotensin.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lotensin except under the supervision of your doctor.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Lotensin. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What are the possible side effects of this drug?