Can you take amlodipine and benazepril together?: An overview of this combination therapy

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to MedlinePlus, the combination of amlodipine and benazepril is a prescribed medication for high blood pressure. The dual action provides a synergistic effect, working together to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone. So, can you take amlodipine and benazepril together? The answer is yes, when prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

Quick Summary

Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril, an ACE inhibitor, are commonly combined to treat hypertension. This approach helps lower blood pressure more effectively by relaxing blood vessels and is often used when monotherapy is insufficient.

Key Points

Yes, you can take amlodipine and benazepril together: The combination is a common and effective prescription treatment for high blood pressure.
Synergistic effect: Amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and benazepril (an ACE inhibitor) work through different mechanisms to relax blood vessels, providing more effective blood pressure control.
Reduces edema: The combination is particularly beneficial for patients who experience swelling (edema) from amlodipine alone, as benazepril can help minimize this side effect.
Risk of angioedema: A serious, though rare, side effect is angioedema, or severe swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, which requires immediate medical attention.
Requires careful monitoring: Patients must be regularly monitored by a doctor for potential side effects, including hyperkalemia and changes in kidney function.
Important contraindications: This medication should not be taken during pregnancy, by patients with a history of angioedema, or within 36 hours of taking a neprilysin inhibitor like sacubitril,.
Check drug interactions: Inform your doctor of all other medications and supplements you take, as some can interact with this combination, such as potassium supplements and NSAIDs.

The Mechanism: How the Two Drugs Work

The combination of amlodipine and benazepril, often sold under the brand name Lotrel or as a generic, is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to blood pressure control. The effectiveness comes from combining two different classes of medication, each with a unique mechanism of action.

Amlodipine's Role

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessel walls. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, a process known as vasodilation. By widening the blood vessels, amlodipine decreases the resistance against which the heart must pump, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.

Benazepril's Role

Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks the action of the ACE protein, which normally converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II,. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to narrow. By inhibiting its production, benazepril also promotes vasodilation and reduces the body's retention of salt and water.

The Synergy of the Combination

Combining amlodipine and benazepril allows for a more powerful antihypertensive effect than either drug can achieve alone. The two drugs target different pathways for blood pressure regulation, leading to a synergistic effect. The use of an ACE inhibitor like benazepril can also help counteract a common side effect of amlodipine—peripheral edema, or swelling of the ankles and feet. Clinical trials have shown that adding benazepril to an amlodipine regimen can significantly reduce the incidence of this side effect.

Therapeutic Benefits and Efficacy

The fixed-dose combination of amlodipine and benazepril is often prescribed for patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single medication. This strategy can improve treatment adherence by simplifying the medication regimen into a single pill taken once daily.

Research, such as the ACCOMPLISH trial, has demonstrated the efficacy of this combination. In a study comparing benazepril/amlodipine with benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide, the benazepril/amlodipine combination proved superior in reducing cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. This suggests that for certain populations, the ACE inhibitor-CCB combination is a highly effective long-term strategy for both blood pressure management and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

As with any medication, combining amlodipine and benazepril can lead to side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some can be serious.

Common Side Effects

Cough: A dry, persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like benazepril and may be bothersome for some patients.
Dizziness and lightheadedness: These can occur, especially when first starting the medication or increasing the dose. To minimize risk, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Swelling: While the combination is designed to reduce amlodipine-induced edema, some patients may still experience swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles.
Headache: This is a relatively common side effect.

Serious Side Effects

Angioedema: A rare but life-threatening allergic reaction involving severe swelling of the face, tongue, and throat. The risk is slightly higher in Black patients. Immediate medical attention is required.
Hyperkalemia: Elevated potassium levels in the blood can occur, especially in patients with diabetes or kidney problems, or those taking potassium supplements.
Kidney Problems: The medication can affect kidney function. Regular blood tests are important to monitor kidney health.
Liver Problems: Though rare, serious liver issues have been reported. Seek medical help if you experience symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Precautions and Drug Interactions

Contraindications

Pregnancy: This combination is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cause harm or death to the fetus. If pregnancy is detected, the medication should be stopped immediately.
Angioedema history: Patients with a history of angioedema should not take this medication.
Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto): This combination should not be used within 36 hours of taking a neprilysin inhibitor like sacubitril/valsartan.
Aliskiren: Patients with diabetes should not use this combination with medications containing aliskiren.

Other Interactions

NSAIDs: Painkillers like ibuprofen can reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and increase the risk of kidney problems.
Potassium supplements/diuretics: Combining with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Simvastatin: The dose of simvastatin may need to be limited in patients taking amlodipine.

Comparison of Amlodipine and Benazepril


Feature	Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blocker)	Benazepril (ACE Inhibitor)	Combination (Lotrel)
Mechanism	Inhibits calcium influx, causing vasodilation.	Blocks ACE to reduce angiotensin II, causing vasodilation and reduced fluid retention.	Combines both mechanisms for stronger, synergistic effect.
Common Side Effects	Headache, swelling of ankles/feet, dizziness.	Dry cough, headache, dizziness,.	Combines potential side effects, though benazepril can reduce amlodipine-related edema.
Specific Risks	Worsening angina in severe coronary artery disease.	Hyperkalemia, angioedema (higher risk in Black patients).	Risk of combined serious effects, including angioedema and hyperkalemia.
Dosage Forms	Oral tablet, available alone.	Oral tablet, available alone.	Single oral capsule containing both drugs.

Conclusion

Combining amlodipine and benazepril is a safe and effective treatment strategy for managing hypertension in adults when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. By combining a calcium channel blocker and an ACE inhibitor, the therapy provides a dual mechanism of action that often achieves better blood pressure control than monotherapy. The combination is also particularly useful for patients experiencing amlodipine-induced edema, as the benazepril component can help reduce this side effect. While the combination offers significant benefits, patients must be aware of potential side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions, and maintain regular communication with their doctor. Always take this medication exactly as directed, and never stop without consulting your healthcare provider.

For more detailed prescribing information, consult authoritative resources such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s DailyMed page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The brand name for the amlodipine and benazepril combination capsule is Lotrel. The combination is also widely available as a lower-cost generic medication.

Combining these two drugs allows for a dual-action approach to treating high blood pressure. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, and benazepril prevents a substance that tightens them, resulting in more effective blood pressure control.

The most common side effects are a persistent dry cough (due to benazepril), dizziness, headache, and swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles,. Dizziness is more likely when first starting the medication or changing the dose.

You should never stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and stopping the medication abruptly can cause your blood pressure to rise again, increasing your risk for serious cardiovascular events.

You should not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes containing potassium without your doctor's approval. Benazepril can increase potassium levels, and additional potassium can cause a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia,.

Angioedema is a rare but serious allergic reaction that can cause severe swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, potentially leading to breathing difficulties. If you experience any symptoms of angioedema, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

The amlodipine and benazepril combination is not recommended for initial therapy for hypertension. It is typically prescribed when a single medication is not sufficient to control blood pressure.