Lotensin is used for:

Treating high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lotensin is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by decreasing a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax (dilate), which lowers blood pressure.

Do NOT use Lotensin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Lotensin
you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other ACE inhibitor
you are pregnant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lotensin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lotensin . Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have or have ever had liver or kidney problems, kidney transplantation, or diabetes
if you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), scleroderma or a collagen vascular disease (ask your doctor if you are not sure), bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood pressure, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, or narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain, or are dehydrated
if you are scheduled to have surgery or to receive anesthesia or kidney dialysis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lotensin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Dextran sulfate or thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of serious damage to the kidney (eg, decreased urine output, weight gain) may be increased
Lithium because toxic side effects (eg, tiredness; confusion; slurred speech; muscle tremors, spasms, weakness, or involuntary movements; seizures; loss of consciousness; coma) may be increased by Lotensin
Indomethacin because it may decrease Lotensin 's effectiveness
Oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because side effects, including low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Lotensin
Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) may cause high blood potassium levels, resulting in listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of limbs, slow or irregular heartbeat, or stopping of the heart
Thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects (eg, a low white blood cell count, increase in infections) may be increased by Lotensin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lotensin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lotensin :

Use Lotensin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Lotensin by mouth with or without food.
Taking Lotensin at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking Lotensin . Not drinking enough fluids or excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to lightheadedness or fainting.
For children who cannot swallow tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist about preparing a suspension of Lotensin .
If you miss a dose of Lotensin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lotensin .

Important safety information:

Lotensin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lotensin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Lotensin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
Lotensin may cause a dry, unproductive cough. This symptom usually stops after treatment with Lotensin is stopped.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lotensin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
Diabetes patients - Lotensin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Lotensin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Lotensin should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Lotensin may cause fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Lotensin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lotensin .

Possible side effects of Lotensin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; dizziness, especially upon standing; headache; nausea; sleepiness; tiredness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; chills; fainting; fever; hoarseness; irregular or slow heartbeat; lightheadedness; sore throat; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.