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Benazepril

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
12 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II production, lowering blood pressure and reducing proteinuria

At a glance

Class
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1995-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Heart failure / Hypertension
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
20 mg
Duration: Long-term
🐈

Cat

CKD proteinuria
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
5 mg
Duration: Long-term
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
2.5mg
Available in India
Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
20mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors

Use with caution

  • Renal artery stenosis
    May worsen renal perfusion
  • Concurrent potassium-sparing diuretics
    Risk of hyperkalemia

Adverse effects

Common
Inappetence
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Serious
Hypotension
Hyperkalemia
Acute kidney injury

Monitoring parameters

Renal values (BUN, creatinine)Serum potassiumBlood pressure
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 1

Losartan
major
Dual RAAS blockade (ARB + ACE inhibitor) increases risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and acute kidney injury
Management: Generally avoid. If combined for refractory proteinuria, monitor renal values and potassium closely.

Moderate — 9

Spironolactone
moderate
Both cause potassium retention; combined use increases risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia
Management: Monitor serum potassium closely if used together. Common cardiac combination but requires monitoring.
Meloxicam
moderate
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow, potentially blunting ACE inhibitor efficacy and increasing nephrotoxicity
Management: Monitor renal function closely. Ensure adequate hydration.
Furosemide
moderate
ACE inhibitors + loop diuretics can cause excessive hypotension and prerenal azotaemia
Management: Standard cardiac combination. Start ACE inhibitor at low dose. Monitor renal values and blood pressure.
Methimazole
moderate
Methimazole treatment unmasks pre-existing CKD (previously masked by hyperthyroidism-induced hyperfiltration). Adding ACE inhibitor further reduces GFR.
Management: Monitor BUN/creatinine at 2 and 4 weeks after starting methimazole. Adjust methimazole dose to maintain mild hyperthyroidism if CKD is severe.
Trilostane
moderate
Trilostane reduces aldosterone + ACE inhibitor reduces aldosterone: combined potassium-retaining effect.
Management: Monitor serum potassium. Clinically used combination in Cushing's dogs with concurrent heart disease — requires monitoring.
Carprofen
moderate
NSAID opposes ACE inhibitor renal hemodynamic protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent afferent arteriolar vasodilation.
Management: Monitor BUN/creatinine at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Common combination in geriatric dogs with OA + heart disease — requires monitoring.
Firocoxib
moderate
NSAID + ACE inhibitor: reduced renal prostaglandin effect opposes ACE inhibitor renal protection.
Management: Monitor renal function when combining. Ensure adequate hydration.
Potassium Citrate
moderate
ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone (potassium-retaining). Adding potassium supplementation increases hyperkalemia risk.
Management: Monitor serum potassium at 3-5 days. Reduce supplement if K+ >5.5 mEq/L.
Telmisartan
moderate
Dual RAAS blockade (ARB + ACE inhibitor): additive blood pressure reduction and potassium retention. Used therapeutically for refractory proteinuria but requires monitoring.
Management: Used intentionally for severe proteinuria when single agent insufficient. Monitor blood pressure, potassium, and renal function at 3-5 days and 14 days.

Minor — 2

Pimobendan
minor
Standard CHF combination. Complementary mechanisms — pimobendan (inodilator) + ACE inhibitor (afterload reduction). No pharmacokinetic interaction.
Management: First-line combination for DMVD stage B2/C per ACVIM consensus. Monitor renal function and blood pressure.
Amlodipine
minor
Complementary antihypertensive mechanisms. Standard combination for refractory feline hypertension.
Management: Well-established combination. Monitor BP and renal function.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Fortekor
Elanco

India

Benazecare
Intas
Benazril
Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Benazepril?
Benazepril is a angiotensin-converting enzyme (ace) inhibitor used in pets. Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II production, lowering blood pressure and reducing proteinuria
What is Benazepril used for in pets?
Benazepril is used in veterinary medicine for: Heart failure / Hypertension; CKD proteinuria.
What is the Benazepril dose for dogs?
For dogs, Benazepril is typically dosed as follows — Heart failure / Hypertension: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Benazepril dose for cats?
For cats, Benazepril is typically dosed as follows — CKD proteinuria: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Benazepril?
Common: Inappetence, Vomiting, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypotension, Hyperkalemia, Acute kidney injury.
Does Benazepril need a prescription?
Yes. Benazepril is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Benazepril not be used?
Do not use Benazepril if: Known hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Angiotensin-converting enzyme).

Enalapril
Rx
Inhibits ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; reduces aldosterone secretion, preload, afterload, and cardiac remodelling
dogcat
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