Benazepril is a medication belonging to a class of drugs known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This drug works by interfering with a natural bodily process to cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. The resulting relaxation of the blood vessels helps to reduce the overall strain placed on the heart. This information is for educational purposes only and cannot replace specific medical advice or prescription instructions from a licensed veterinarian.
Therapeutic Uses in Canines
Veterinarians prescribe benazepril primarily to manage Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). For heart disease, the medication interrupts the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), a hormonal pathway that normally constricts blood vessels. By blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, benazepril causes peripheral blood vessels to widen.
This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, reducing the force required for the heart to circulate blood. This decreases the workload on a failing heart and helps minimize the fluid retention associated with CHF. For dogs diagnosed with CKD, benazepril lowers the blood pressure within the kidneys’ filtration units, called the glomeruli.
This reduction in pressure minimizes the excessive loss of protein into the urine (proteinuria), which is a marker of progressive kidney damage. Benazepril is also used to treat systemic hypertension, or high blood pressure, often alongside other medications. By easing pressure on the circulatory system, benazepril helps protect fragile arteries in the heart and kidneys from further damage.
Understanding Benazepril Administration and Dosing
Dosage is calculated by a veterinarian based on the dog’s body weight and the condition being treated. For heart failure or proteinuria, the typical dosage range is 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of the dog’s weight. The medication is usually given by mouth once or twice a day, depending on the specific instructions.
Consistency is key, meaning the medication should be given at the same time each day. Benazepril is available in tablet form and can be given with or without food. If a dog experiences stomach upset, administering the tablet with a small meal or treat may help mitigate digestive issues.
Treatment often begins at a lower dose and is gradually increased, a process known as titration, based on the dog’s response. This adjustment is guided by regular monitoring of the dog’s blood pressure and kidney values. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose that provides maximum benefit.
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as the lapse is noticed. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely, and the regular schedule resumed. Never give a double dose to compensate for a missed one, as this increases the risk of excessively low blood pressure.
Safety Profile and Adverse Effects
Benazepril is well tolerated by dogs, but owners should be aware of potential adverse effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary loss of appetite. If these signs are severe or persistent, the owner should consult with their veterinarian.
Less common side effects relate to the drug’s primary action of lowering blood pressure. Severe hypotension, or excessively low blood pressure, can cause weakness, listlessness, or lack of coordination. In rare cases, especially with dehydration or pre-existing kidney issues, reduced blood pressure can impact kidney blood flow, potentially leading to reversible kidney dysfunction.
Ongoing monitoring is a necessary component of treatment. Regular check-ups should include blood work to assess kidney function (BUN and creatinine levels) and check serum electrolyte levels, particularly potassium. Benazepril can lead to hyperkalemia (abnormally high potassium), which requires careful monitoring.
Owners must discuss all other medications and supplements with the veterinarian, as benazepril can interact with certain drugs. Concurrent use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or potassium-sparing diuretics may increase the potential for kidney toxicity or hyperkalemia. Additional monitoring may be necessary when benazepril is used alongside other common cardiac drugs, such as diuretics.