Lexxel
Generic Name: enalapril and felodipine (e NAL a pril and fe LOE di peen)
Brand Names: Lexxel
What is Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Enalapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
Enalapril prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
Felodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Felodipine relaxes (widens)
your blood vessels, which makes it easier for your heart to pump and reduces its workload.
Enalapril and felodipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Enalapril and felodipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Do not take enalapril and felodipine if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When
used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ACE inhibitors (enalapril) can cause injury
and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be
pregnant.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Enalapril and felodipine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness,
avoid these activities. 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 enalapril and felodipine. Maintain proper fluid
intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums
may occur with felodipine therapy. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Before taking enalapril and felodipine, tell your doctor if you
-
have liver disease;
-
have kidney disease;
-
have diabetes;
-
have a collagen vascular disorder;
-
have other diseases of the heart or blood vessels such as
heart failure, aortic stenosis, or low blood pressure; or
-
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).
You may not be able to take enalapril and felodipine, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Enalapril and felodipine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that enalapril and
felodipine is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of
pregnancy, ACE inhibitors (enalapril) can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning
a pregnancy.
Enalapril and felodipine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.. Do not use
enalapril and felodipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Take enalapril and felodipine 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.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to
potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not
increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your
medication, your condition could become much worse.
Store enalapril and felodipine 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 of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an enalapril and felodipine overdose are not known but might include extreme
dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, an unusually fast or slow
heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
What should I avoid while taking Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Enalapril and felodipine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness,
avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
enalapril and felodipine.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking enalapril and felodipine
except under the supervision of your doctor.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums
may occur with felodipine therapy. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.
Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood
pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with enalapril and felodipine. Maintain proper fluid
intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to
potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not
increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking enalapril and
felodipine and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
difficulty breathing;
-
unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
-
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
-
swelling of your legs, ankles, or face;
-
little or no urine;
-
chest pain;
-
severe dizziness or fainting; or
-
a sore throat, fever, or other signs of infection.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take enalapril and felodipine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
mild dizziness or lightheadedness;
-
headache;
-
dry, tickling cough;
-
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
-
insomnia or difficulty sleeping;
-
swelling of your gums;
-
nausea or diarrhea;
-
increased urination;
-
muscle or joint discomfort;
-
flushing (redness);
-
weakness or fatigue; or
-
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Lexxel (enalapril and felodipine)?
Before taking enalapril and felodipine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
drugs:
-
a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
-
salt substitutes that contain potassium;
-
the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide,
Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
-
any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and
others;
-
a potassium supplement (K-Dur, Klor-Con, others);
-
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
-
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
-
cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
-
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
-
carbamazepine (Tegretol);
-
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or
-
phenytoin (Dilantin).
You may not be able to take enalapril and felodipine, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with enalapril and felodipine or affect your
condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about enalapril and felodipine written for health
professionals that you may read.
What to the pills look like?
Enalapril and felodipine is available with a prescription under the brand name Lexxel. Other
brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have
about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your
medicines with others and only use this medication for the condition prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.06. Revision Date: 7/30/04 12:58:42 PM.
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