Drug Uses

Lotensin is useful in the treatment of not just high blood pressure but also for congestive heart failure as well as chronic renal failure.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Lotensin with a meal or even without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Lotensin. It is advisable not to take salt substitutes while taking the dosage of Lotensin.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Lotensin at room temperature. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Lotensin may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency control center immediately if you notice effects like low blood pressure.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Lotensin if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are allergic to ACE inhibitors which might lead to swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airway causing a difficulty in breathing.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Lotensin has a tendency to interact with water pills and also certainother blood pressure medicines. This causes an unwarranted drop in yourblood pressure, which may result in certain signs of weakness, lightheadedness and even dizziness. Even the functioning of the kidney has been affected because of these ACE inhibitors, especially in those patients who are suffering from severe heart failure or even a pre-existing kidney disease.

The combination of Lotensin with some of the potassium supplements, especially those which contain salt substitutes and others like amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene, can direct towards severe high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin or Indocin and possibly some of the other anti-inflammatory medications may also lead to a decrease in the blood pressure lowering effect of Lotensin. Furthermore there can be certain kinds of allergies and the toxic level can also increase in your blood if not taken proper care while taking the dosage.

Lotensin may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages.

Lotensin is not recommended for pregnant woman. So it is not to be taken by pregnant woman. Even in children proper care and caution must be maintained while taking Lotensin.