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Lexxel |
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What is Lexxel and why is it 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 such as HydroDIURIL or Esidrix. 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. Lexxel does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Lexxel? Follow your doctors directions for taking 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 two doses at the same time. Store Lexxel at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed and protect from light and humidity. Are there any Lexxel side effects? Lexxel side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Lexxel side effects may include dizziness, headache, and swelling. Less common Lexxel side effects may include cough, fatigue, flushing, and lack of strength. Rare Lexxel side effects may include abdominal pain, agitation, bruises or bleeding under the skin, breast enlargement, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, dry mouth or throat, dry skin, enlarged gums, facial swelling, fainting, gas, gout, hair loss, heartburn, hot flashes, impotence, increased pressure within the eyes, indigestion, insomnia, itching, joint swelling, nausea, neck pain, nervousness, poor coordination, rash, rectal pain, respiratory congestion, skin swelling, slow heartbeat, sore throat, swollen throat, tingling sensation, tremor, and vomiting. What are the 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. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lexxel with 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), or 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. Are there any 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, 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. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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