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 requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
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
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.
Cautions:
Do not stop giving this medication without your veterinarian's approval. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure.
More Information:
Brand Name Lotensin (Novartis)
Generic Name benazepril
What is the most important information I should know about benazepril:
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 5mg tablets. The usual dose to treat dogs is 0.1 to 0.2mg/lb 1 to 2 times a day. The usual dose to treat cats is 0.1 to 0.45mg/lb once a day.
What is 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.
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 this medication 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 happens if I miss giving a dose:
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 the pet: 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 animals allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors. Use benazepril with caution in animals with liver disease. Do not use in pregnant females. Benazepril may be used in nursing animals. Use with caution in animals with very low blood sodium levels.
What are the possible 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 the animal.
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.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Benazepril written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
The below dosage amounts are recommendations only. Always follow the amount prescribed by your veterinarian.
Tip: Benazepril can be given with or without food.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Puppies:
All weights
0.1-0.2 mg/lb 1-2 times a day
Cats/Kittens:
All weights
0.1-0.45 mg/lb once a day
Horses:
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from excess moisture or heat.
Benazepril:
Active Ingredients
Amount
Benazepril hydrochloride, USP
5 mg
Benazepril
5
5
1
1
benazepril
bailey needs 10 mg instead of 5
06/12/2011
Can I stop this medication, Benazepril, after giving it to my dog for 2 years? All informatiom I read states "do not stop this medication". The cardiologist says to stop it 'cold turkey', I am getting conflicting answers and am considering reducing this med over a period, rather then what was told to me of stopping all at once. The dog has a mumur, slightly enlarged heart.
It is best to taper the dog off of this drug. If you stop 'cold turkey', his blood pressure will jump and take some time to come back down. By tapering, you are giving his body a chance to slowly adjust to the absence of the drug.
Any time you get a drug you don't recognize as normal, it is always best to verify that it is the correct drug/dose. Most of the time, it is different because it is produced from a different manufacturer. Most pharmacies often receive different generic drugs due to pricing. The easiest way to identify the drug is to do a google search for "pill identifier". Pill identifier websites allow you to put the imprint, shape, and color of the pill and it will identify the pill for you. Hope this helps.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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