What is Benazepril?

Benazepril is a prescription medication used in dogs and cats for the treatment of heart failure, high blood pressure, and some forms of kidney disease. Benazepril is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats. Benazepril is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs and Cats

Benefits:

• Treats heart failure, high blood pressure, and some forms of kidney disease in dogs and cats
• Dilates the veins and decreases fluid retention
• Sold per tablet

How does Benazepril work?

Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor used to dilate blood vessels in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and some types of kidney disease in dogs and cats.

Cautions:

Do not stop giving this medication without your veterinarian's approval. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure.

Brand Name:

Lotensin (Novartis)

Generic Name:

Benazepril

What is the most important thing I should know about Benazepril?

Benazepril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors decrease fluid retention by dilating veins. Benazepril is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and some forms of kidney disease in dogs and cats. Benazepril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide. Benazepril is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Benazepril is available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. The usual dose to treat dogs is 0.1 to 0.2 mg/lb 1 to 2 times a day. The usual dose to treat cats is 0.1 to 0.45 mg/lb once a day.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Benazepril to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, lupus, or blood abnormalities. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or nursing.

How should Benazepril be given?

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Benazepril can be given with or without food. Do not abruptly stop giving Benazepril. Store Benazepril at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What are the potential side effects of Benazepril?

For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Benazepril and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Side effects are rare but may include loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Benazepril could cause low blood pressure or kidney dysfunction indicated by increased thirst and/or changes in urination. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Benazepril?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Benazepril?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Benazepril overdose include weakness or collapse.

What should I avoid while giving Benazepril to my pet?

Benazepril should not be used in pets allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors. Use Benazepril with caution in pets with liver disease. Do not use in pregnant females. Benazepril may be used in nursing pets. Use with caution in pets with very low blood sodium levels.

What other drugs will affect Benazepril?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given azathioprine, COX 2 inhibitors (Deramaxx or Previcox), cyclosporine (Atopica), diuretics (furosemide, Salix), beta blockers (atenolol), and other blood pressure medications, insulin, NSAIDS (Rimadyl or Novox), Potassium salts, aspirin (Vetrin), and sulfonamides (SMZ/TMP). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Benazepril. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.