Benazepril Hydrochloride (Generic) Tablets for Pets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Benazepril HCl Tablets?

Benazepril Hydrochloride (Benazepril HCl) is a second-generation angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This medication may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure, as a vasodilator for treating heart failure, or as additional treatment for chronic kidney failure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder. This can cause damage to the heart and arteries. Over time this can cause damage or malfunctioning of the brain, heart, and kidneys.

How do I give Benazepril HCl Tablets?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Administer Benazepril HCl as directed by your veterinarian.

If Benazepril HCl is prescribed as a liquid, measure the dose carefully.

Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

DO NOT stop giving your pet Benazepril HCl unless directed by your veterinarian. Plan ahead to ensure you have the refills you need.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Benazepril HCl Tablets?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Store this medicine at room temperature in dry, cool place. Keep this medication away from heat and direct sunlight.

Do not store this medicine in damp places, in the bathroom, or near the kitchen sink. The medicine can break down if exposed to moisture or heat.

Are there any side effects of Benazepril HCl Tablets?

Benazepril HCl has few side effects. The most common side effects include some stomach upset, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Notify your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea persists or is severe.

Notify your veterinarian if your pet is extremely tired or appears dizzy (uncoordinated).

Other side effects may occur. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

The following drugs may interact with Benazepril HCl: spironolactone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. indomethacin), diuretics, and other vasodilators.

If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together contact your veterinarian.

Benazepril Hydrochloride Generic Tablets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Benazepril Hydrochloride?

How do I give Benazepril HCl?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Administer Benazepril HCl as directed by your veterinarian.

If Benazepril HCl is prescribed as a liquid, measure the dose carefully.

Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed.

Try not to miss giving any doses.

DO NOT stop giving your pet Benazepril HCl unless directed by your veterinarian. Plan ahead to ensure you have the refills you need.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Benazepril HCl?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Store this medicine at room temperature in dry, cool place. Keep this medication away from heat and direct sunlight.

Do not store this medicine in damp places, in the bathroom, or near the kitchen sink. The medicine can break down if exposed to moisture or heat.

Are there any side effects of Benazepril HCl?

Benazepril HCl has few side effects. The most common side effects include some stomach upset, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Notify your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea persists or is severe.

Notify your veterinarian if your pet is extremely tired or appears dizzy (uncoordinated).

Other side effects may occur. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications you are giving your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

The following drugs may interact with Benazepril HCl: spironolactone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. indomethacin), diuretics, and other vasodilators.

If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together contact your veterinarian.

Benazepril Hydrochloride (Generic) Tablets for Pets

Trade Names:

Fortekor® Flavor Tablets (2.5 mg)

Fortekor® Flavor Tablets (20 mg)

Fortekor® Flavor Tablets (5 mg)

Lotensin®

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 given once 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.