Lotensin

• Side effects may include:
  Cough, dizziness, headache

Why should Lotensin not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lotensin or other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, do not take this medication.

Special warnings about Lotensin

Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Lotensin and then monitored for the first few weeks.

If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that Lotensin may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you're on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to the drug are increased.

If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as Lotensin have been known to cause intestinal swelling.

Lotensin can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.

If you have congestive heart failure, this drug should be used with caution.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first.

If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become too low.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lotensin

If Lotensin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lotensin with the following:

• Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• Lithium
• Potassium supplements
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride and triamterene