General Description: 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.
What is this drug?
An angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; a vasodilator and antihypertension agent
Dilates the veins and decreases fluid retention
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat high blood pressure in dogs and cats
To treat congestive heart failure in dogs and cats
To treat some kidney conditions in dogs and cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
This drug will not work well in pets with severe liver disease
Pets with lupus, blood abnormalities, a history of cardiac output failure or those with low sodium levels
Use with caution in cats weighing less than 2.5 kg
Pregnant or nursing pets
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to benazepril or other ACE inhibitors
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually givenonce daily and is usually given for the rest of the animal’s life.
Benazepril may be given with or without food.
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Heart failure patients: When benazepril is used along with a diuretic, blood work to assess kidney function should be measured prior to benazepril use, again 3-7 days later, and then periodically. Kidney function should also be rechecked after any dose change.
Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Nausea, appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea
Kidney dysfunction, which may cause increased thirst, changes in urination
Abnormally high potassium levels, which may cause weakness, slow heart rate and weak pulse
High doses can lead to very low blood pressure, which may cause weakness and collapse
If you notice any of these symptoms or if your pet’s condition worsens contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with NSAIDS (ex. aspirin, meloxicam), potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics (ex. furosemide, spironolactone) and other vasodilators
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, benazepril should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about benazepril. If you have any questions or concerns about benazepril or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
General Description: 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.
