Benazepril Tablets 5mg

Benazepril is in a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. It dilates the veins and decreases fluid retention. It is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and some forms of kidney disease in dogs and cats.

 

Dose and Administration

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Give by mouth, with or without food. Do not abruptly start or stop this medication without approval by your veterinarian. Treatment is normally continued for the duration of the animal's life. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

 

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon but may include lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Potentially could cause low blood pressure, which may cause weakness or collapse; kidney dysfunction, which may cause increased thirst and/or changes in urination; and abnormally high potassium levels, which may cause 
weakness, a slow heart rate, and a weak pulse. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects or if your pet’s condition worsens. Abnormalities of the blood and skin rashes have rarely occurred in humans. These have not been seen in animals. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

Precautions

Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to this drug or other ACE inhibitors. Use with caution in animals with very low blood sodium levels. Not for use in animals with lupus or blood abnormalities. Not for use in pregnant animals. May be used in lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Animals with liver disease may not be able to properly convert the medication to its active form. Consult your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing needed prior to and during treatment with benazepril.

 

Drug and Food Interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using benazepril with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, diuretics (e.g. Lasix, Salix), other vasodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g., aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam, firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), or deracoxib (Deramaxx), since interactions may occur. High potassium levels may develop if potassium supplements, or potassiumsparing diuretics, are given at the same time as benazepril.

 

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
The most common sign of an overdose is weakness or collapse. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

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