Lotensin HCT

Lotensin HCT is a product that combines two medicines – Benazepril, an ACE inhibitor and Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, which is used in the treatment from high blood pressure (hypertension).

Benazepril works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which helps the blood flow, and Hydrochlorathiazide as a diuretic, works by increasing the amount of urine that is created in the body, that way it decreases the amount of excess water and salt in the body.

By lowering the blood pressure, this product helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Also, it is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Before using Lotensin HCT, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

When the decision for this treatment is made, it is important the beneficial effects to outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you have to make consulting with your doctor. Make sure you get informed about the benefits, as well as about the potential side effects and risks. Also, inform your doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product (if used before) or to any other medications. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to dye, fabric, any specific food and etc.
• Pediatric – Because there are no studies which confirm the beneficial effects and potential risks if this product is used within pediatric patients, its usage does not guarantee safety.
• Geriatric – There are studies which confirm that there is no risk and any specific problems connected to the age of the patients, because of that it is not considered unsafe to use within geriatric patients.
• Pregnancy – Studies confirm that there is a risk to the infant if this medication is used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future.
• Breastfeeding – Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding at the moment. Because there are no studies which confirm if this medication is extracted in the milk, it is not considered safe to use within nursing mothers.
• Drug interactions – Some medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others. But, sometimes, some medications are advised to be used in a specific combination with other medications. For example, using this product in a combination with any of the following medications is not usually recommended, but sometimes the doctor may prescribe that combination: Amiloride, Azilsartan, Digitalis, Digoxin, Eprosartan, Lithium, Potassium, Valsartan and many others.
• Other interactions – Using some medications in a combination with specific food, tobacco and alcohol can occur specific interactions. Because of that, inform yourself from your doctor if you need to follow any specific diet and about the use of tobacco and alcohol.
• Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems that you have had in the past, or have in the present. Especially, if you suffer from: Angioedema, anuria, diabetes, collagen vascular disease, congestive heart failure, kidney problems, glaucoma, gout, hypercalcemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, kidney or liver disease, systemic lupus erythematosus.

To use Lotensin HCT properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

In addition to the treatment with this product, your doctor may advise a specific diet with a change within the usage of sodium (salt) in order to decrease your weight which would help in lowering your blood pressure. This medication is in the form of a tablet, taken orally. The dose is directed by your doctor according to your condition and the prognosis. The usual dose is one tablet, daily. If it happens to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double it. If the time for the next one is near, skip the missed one and remain on the schedule. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away in order to get directions on how to proceed. 

Before using Lotensin HCT, there are some precautions you must take.

Make sure you visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments in order to check your condition and make any necessary changes in the dosage.

Inform the doctor if you notice any side effects. Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions that you may have experienced while using other medications. The product may contain an inactive substance that may occur certain interactions.

The doctor will probably decide not to treat you with this medicine if you are currently pregnant, because of the possibility that it can harm your unborn baby. The best decision is to use a proven form of birth control in order to prevent pregnancy during the treatment with Olmesartan.

If you are a nursing mother, the doctor may decide not to treat you with this product. Within nursing mothers it should be only used if the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

This medicine may make you dizzy, because of this avoid driving or any activities that require alertness during the treatment. During the treatment with Olmesartan, contact your doctor before you use any other medicines. 

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lotensin HCT to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

Along with the beneficial effects there is a possibility that certain side effects may occur. It is very important to get inform about the potential side effects so that you would be able to notice its presence and inform your doctor right away. After that, the doctor may decide to discontinue your usage of Olmesartan or advise you on how to proceed with the treatment, regarding the side effects.

• Serious side effects – fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat), unusual decrease in the amount of urine, severe diarrhea.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction – rash, itching/swelling of the hands, feet, face, tongue, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• Less common – chills and fever, headache, sore throat, tightness in the chest, unusual tiredness or weakness, body pains. Other side effects are possible to occur as well. Contact your doctor for an extended list of possible side effects.