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|Lexxel

Lexxel

Lexxel is used for:

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

Lexxel is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and calcium channel blocker combination. It works by relaxing blood vessels which helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the workload of the heart.

Do NOT use Lexxel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lexxel or similar medicines (eg, captopril, lisinopril)
• you are pregnant
• you are taking dextran sulfate or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride)

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

Before using Lexxel :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lexxel . Tell your doctor or pharmacist 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 a history of liver or kidney problems or have had a kidney transplant
• if you are receiving dialysis
• if you have bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, porphyria (a blood disease), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), scleroderma, or a collagen vascular disease
• if you have narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain or heart, chest pain, slow heartbeat or other heart problems, or breathing problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lexxel . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), cimetidine, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or erythromycin because side effects, including excessive decreases in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting, may occur
• Dextran sulfate because it may increase the risk of allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) and lightheadedness upon standing
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, aspirin, indomethacin) because the effectiveness of Lexxel may be decreased
• Lithium, macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased by Lexxel
• Oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because side effects, including a low blood sugar level (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Lexxel
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) may cause high blood potassium levels (eg, listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of the limbs, slow or irregular heartbeat, stopping of the heart) when used with this medicine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lexxel 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 Lexxel :

Use Lexxel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Lexxel by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Swallow Lexxel whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may affect the amount of Lexxel in your blood. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
• If you miss a dose of Lexxel , 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 Lexxel .

Important safety information:

• Lexxel may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lexxel with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• Proper dental care is important while you are taking Lexxel . Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• 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.
• Lexxel may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
• Lexxel may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lexxel . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lexxel before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, complete blood counts, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Lexxel . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Lexxel with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Lexxel after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Lexxel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lexxel , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Lexxel :

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:

Diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; drowsiness; headache; nausea; persistent, dry cough; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast changes; changes in sexual function; chest pain; dry mouth; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hoarseness; infection (fever, sore throat); infrequent urination; lethargy; muscle pain or cramps; muscle weakness; restlessness; thirst; unusual stomach pain; unusual swelling; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; weakness.

Store Lexxel at room temperature, below 86 degrees (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lexxel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lexxel , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Lexxel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lexxel . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.