Brand name:

Lexxel

Why is Lexxel prescribed?

Lexxel is used to treat high blood pressure. It combines two blood pressure drugs: an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. The ACE inhibitor (enalapril) lowers blood pressure by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting to a more potent form that narrows the blood vessels and increases salt and water retention. The calcium channel blocker (felodipine) also works to keep the blood vessels open, and eases the heart's workload by reducing the force and rate of your heartbeat.

Lexxel can be prescribed alone or in combination with other blood pressure medicines, especially water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL or Esidrix.

Most important fact about Lexxel

Doctors usually prescribe Lexxel for patients who have been taking one of its components--enalapril (Vasotec) or extended-release felodipine (Plendil)--without showing improvement. Like other blood pressure medications, Lexxel must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be 1 or 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of Lexxel; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Lexxel does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Lexxel?

Lexxel can be taken with a light meal or without food. Remember, however, that a high-fat meal can reduce its effectiveness, and that grapefruit juice increases its impact.

Swallow Lexxel tablets whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew them.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed and protect from light and humidity.

Lexxel side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lexxel.

• Side effects may include:
  Dizziness, headache, swelling

Why should Lexxel not be prescribed?

Avoid Lexxel if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or have ever developed a swollen throat and difficulty swallowing (angioedema) while taking similar drugs such as Capoten, Vasotec, or Zestril. Make sure your doctor is aware of the incident.

Special warnings about Lexxel

Call your doctor immediately if you begin to suffer angioedema while taking Lexxel. Warning signs include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of the arms and legs; and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Bee or wasp venom given to prevent an allergic reaction to stings may cause a severe allergic reaction to Lexxel. Kidney dialysis can also prompt an allergic reaction to the drug.

Lexxel sometimes causes a severe drop in blood pressure. The danger is especially great if you have been taking water pills (diuretics), or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a potassium or salt imbalance. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, and vomiting are also a threat. They can rob the body of water, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you feel light-headed or faint, have chest pain, or feel your heart racing, contact your doctor immediately.

Because another of the ACE inhibitors, Capoten, has been known to cause serious blood disorders, your doctor will check your blood regularly while you are taking Lexxel. If you develop signs of infection such as a sore throat or a fever, you should contact your doctor at once--an infection could be a signal of blood abnormalities.

Lexxel may also affect the liver; and your doctor will need to adjust your dosage with extra care if you are over 65 or have liver disease. Report these symptoms of liver problems to your doctor immediately: a generally run-down feeling, pain in the upper right abdomen, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you suffer from heart failure or kidney disease, make certain that your doctor knows about it. Lexxel should be used with caution under these circumstances.

Some people taking Lexxel develop a dry, nagging cough. This will go away when you stop taking the drug. Others are troubled by swollen gums. Good dental hygiene makes this less likely.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lexxel

If Lexxel 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 Lexxel with the following:

Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Diuretics such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL
Diuretics that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone, Midamor, and Dyrenium
Epilepsy medications such as Dilantin, phenobarbital, and Tegretol
Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, ERYC, others)
Grapefruit juice
High-fat meals
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Potassium supplements such as K-Lyte, K-Tabs, and Slow-K

Because Lexxel tends to increase your potassium level, avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes unless your doctor approves.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Lexxel during pregnancy. When taken during the final 6 months, the ACE inhibitor in Lexxel can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death in the developing or newborn baby. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Lexxel may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Lexxel is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Lexxel

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Lexxel overdose may include:
  Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat