If you miss a Generic Lotensin dose
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Adults
For people not taking a diuretic drug, the usual starting dose of Generic Lotensin is 10 milligrams, once a day. Regular total dosages range from 20 to 40 milligrams per day either taken in a single dose or divided into 2 equal doses. The maximum dose is 80 milligrams per day. Your doctor will closely monitor the effect of this drug and adjust it according to your individual needs.

For people already taking a diuretic, the diuretic should be stopped, if possible, 2 to 3 days before taking Generic Lotensin. This reduces the possibility of fainting or light-headedness. If blood pressure cannot be controlled by Generic Lotensin alone, then diuretic use should begin again. If the diuretic cannot be discontinued, the starting dosage of Generic Lotensin should be 5 milligrams.

For people with reduced kidney function, the dosages should be individualized according to the amount of reduced function. The usual starting dose in these instances is 5 milligrams per day, adjusted upwards to a maximum of 40 milligrams per day.

Children
The safety and effectiveness of Generic Lotensin have not been established in children.

Generic Lotensin Overdose
Although there is no specific information available, a sudden drop in blood pressure would most likely be the primary symptom of Generic Lotensin overdose. If you suspect a Generic Lotensin overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Generic Lotensin Storage instructions
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

Generic Lotensin Preparations
Generic Lotensin Tablets: Generic Lotensin 5 mg, Generic Lotensin 10 mg, Generic Lotensin 20 mg, Generic Lotensin 40 mg.

If Generic Lotensin 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 Generic Lotensin with the following:

• Diuretics such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL,
• Lithium (Lithonate),
• Potassium supplements such as Slow-K,
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Moduretic and Dyazide.

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Generic Lotensin can cause injury or death to developing and newborn babies, especially if taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Generic Lotensin, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Minimal amounts of Generic Lotensin appear in breast milk. If Generic Lotensin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Special warnings about Generic Lotensin
Your kidney function should be assessed when you start taking Generic Lotensin and then monitored for the first few weeks.

If you have poor kidney function, there is a slight chance that Generic Lotensin may reduce your supply of infection-fighting white blood cells. The risk of this problem rises if you also have a disease such as lupus. If you're on kidney dialysis, your chances of an allergic reaction to the drug are increased.

Generic Lotensin can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are also taking a diuretic. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your Generic Lotensin dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued.

If you have congestive heart failure, Generic Lotensin should be used with caution
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first.

If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become too low.

Why Generic Lotensin should not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Generic Lotensin or other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, do not take Generic Lotensin

If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Be especially wary if you're an African American: Your chances of this type of reaction are higher. Severe allergic reactions are also more likely if you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions to stings.

More common side effects of Generic Lotensin may include:
Dizziness, headache.

Less common side effects of Generic Lotensin may include:
Cough, dizziness upon standing up, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea.

Rare side effects of Generic Lotensin may include:
Allergic reactions, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, blisters, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, dark tarry stool containing blood, decreased sex drive, difficulty sleeping, fainting, fluid retention, flushing, impotence, infection, inflammation or peeling of the skin, inflammation of the stomach or pancreas, itching, joint pain, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nervousness, pounding heartbeat, rash, sensitivity to light, shortness of breath, sinus inflammation, sweating, swelling of arms, legs, face, tingling or pins and needles, urinary infections, vomiting, weakness.