Benazepril HCI (Manufacturer may vary)

Benazepril treats, and sometimes even prevents, heart failure, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE-inhibitors. ACE-inhibitors are classified as vasodilators because of their relaxing effect on blood vessels. They reduce concentrations of harmful chemicals and hormones that injure the heart muscle in animals with heart failure.

Key Benefits

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

How It Works

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.

Indications

Benazepril HCl tablets are an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.

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.

• Dogs: Heart failure - 0.25-0.5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours
• Cats: Chronic renal insufficiency - 0.5-1.0 mg/kg orally every 24 hours
• Small Mammals: Rabbits - 0.5-0.5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours

Cautions:

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

Precautions:

Not for use in animals allergic to this drug or other ACE inhibitors. Use with caution in animals with very low blood sodium levels. Not for use in animals with lupus or blood abnormalities. Not for use in pregnant animals. May be used in lactating animals . Animals with liver disease may not be able to properly convert the medication to its active form.

Possible Side Effects

Signs of a potential allergic reaction to this medication may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Storage:

Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from excess moisture or heat.