Benazepril (Lotensin) Tablets

Description

Benazepril (Lotensin) Tablets are a prescription medication used in dogs and cats for the management of certain cardiovascular and kidney conditions. Benazepril belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Benazepril may be prescribed by veterinarians for high blood pressure, certain forms of heart failure, and protein-losing kidney disease. By reducing the formation of angiotensin II, benazepril helps relax blood vessels, improve circulation, and reduce the workload placed on the heart.

This medication may be used alone or alongside other veterinarian-prescribed medications as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps manage high blood pressure
• Supports veterinarian-directed management of certain forms of heart failure
• May be prescribed for protein-losing kidney disease
• Helps relax and widen blood vessels
• Helps improve blood flow
• Helps reduce resistance against which the heart must pump
• Helps reduce workload on the heart
• May be used alone or with other cardiovascular medications
• Oral tablet for convenient administration
• Can be given with or without food
• Suitable for veterinarian-directed use in dogs and cats

How It Works

Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor. After administration, it is converted to its active metabolite, benazeprilat.

ACE normally helps convert angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a substance that causes blood vessels to constrict and stimulates aldosterone secretion. Benazepril inhibits this process, resulting in lower levels of angiotensin II and decreased vasoconstriction.

The resulting relaxation of blood vessels can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and decrease the workload placed on the heart. ACE inhibition can also affect kidney blood flow and protein loss, which is why benazepril may be incorporated into treatment plans for certain kidney conditions.

Indications

For veterinarian-directed use in dogs and cats for conditions that may include:

• Hypertension / Certain forms of heart failure / Protein-losing kidney disease / Other cardiovascular or renal conditions responsive to ACE inhibition

Benazepril used in dogs and cats is prescribed under veterinary direction.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Benazepril Hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients can vary depending on the manufacturer and strength dispensed. Lotensin and generic benazepril formulations may contain ingredients such as:

• Colloidal Silicon Dioxide / Crospovidone / Hypromellose / Lactose or Lactose Monohydrate / Microcrystalline Cellulose / Starch or Pregelatinized Starch / Titanium Dioxide / Additional tablet coatings, coloring agents, lubricants, and excipients depending on the manufacturer and strength

Refer to the manufacturer label for the complete inactive ingredient information for the specific product dispensed.

Directions

Administer orally exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Benazepril tablets may generally be given:

• With food, or
• Without food.

Give the prescribed amount at the frequency directed by your veterinarian.

Weight / Dosage

Dosage is determined by the veterinarian based on factors including:

• Species / Body weight / Condition being treated / Kidney function / Blood pressure / Other medications being administered / Individual response to treatment

There is no single standard dosage appropriate for every dog or cat. Follow the prescription label provided for the individual animal.

Cautions

• For animal use only when prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Prescription required.
• Administer only to the animal for which the medication was prescribed.
• ACE inhibitors can cause excessively low blood pressure in some patients.
• Benazepril can affect kidney function and blood potassium levels.
• Use cautiously in animals with dehydration, low blood pressure, or impaired kidney function.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the animal receives.
• Particular care is needed when benazepril is administered with medications that may affect blood pressure, kidney function, or potassium levels.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals.

Possible Side Effects

Benazepril is generally well tolerated in dogs and cats when appropriately prescribed, but possible adverse effects may include:

• Decreased appetite / Vomiting / Diarrhea / Lethargy or weakness / Low blood pressure / Changes in kidney values / Increased blood potassium

Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops weakness, collapse, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, significant changes in urination, or another unexpected or concerning reaction.

Precautions

• Follow the veterinarian-prescribed dosage and frequency
• Do not adjust the dosage without veterinary direction
• Blood pressure may need to be monitored during treatment
• Kidney values and electrolytes may need periodic monitoring
• Maintain appropriate hydration unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian
• Tell your veterinarian about diuretics, NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and other cardiovascular medications the animal receives
• Use cautiously in animals with kidney impairment
• Use cautiously in animals that are dehydrated or have low blood pressure
• Discuss use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing animals with your veterinarian
• Monitor the animal's appetite, energy level, drinking, urination, and overall condition during treatment

Storage

Storage requirements can vary somewhat by the manufacturer dispensed. Benazepril tablets are generally stored at controlled room temperature and protected from moisture. Current generic labeling specifies 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C), with permitted excursions between 59°F–86°F (15°C–30°C). Keep tablets in a tight container and follow the pharmacy label for the specific product dispensed.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired medication according to veterinarian, pharmacist, or applicable local medication disposal recommendations.
Do not give leftover prescription medication to another animal. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the pharmacy or manufacturer packaging.