Basic Information:

Benazepril HCl is an ACE inhibitor widely utilized in veterinary medicine for its vasodilatory effects on animals with cardiovascular and renal issues. It works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing blood pressure and the workload on the heart.

Veterinary Medicine Uses:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): It helps reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life in affected dogs and cats.
• Systemic Hypertension: Effective in controlling high blood pressure to prevent further organ damage.
• Chronic Renal Failure: Used to slow the progression of renal disease by improving blood flow and reducing blood filtration pressure in the kidneys.
• Protein Losing Nephropathies: Helps in managing kidney conditions that cause significant protein loss.

Side Effects:

• Common: Hypotension, weakness, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea).
• Less Common: Hyperkalemia, and mild to moderate reversible renal dysfunction.

Precautions:

• Monitoring: Regular checks of arterial blood pressure, renal function, and serum electrolytes are crucial.
• Contraindications: Should not be used in animals with hypotension, hypovolemia, hyponatremia, or acute renal failure.
• Reproductive Safety: Avoid using in pregnant or lactating animals due to potential risks.

Drug Interactions:

• Diuretics and Vasodilators: This may lead to increased hypotension or hyperkalemia.
• NSAIDs: Increases the risk of renal failure.
• Insulin and Lithium: Requires careful monitoring as it can alter the levels and effects of these drugs.

Overdose Management:

Immediate veterinary intervention is required, usually involving gut-emptying protocols, hospitalization, volume expansion, and intensive monitoring to manage hypotension and other critical symptoms.