Benazepril

Products

Benazepril was commercially available as film-coated tablets (Cibacen, off label). It was also available as a fixed-dose combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Cibadrex, off label). Benazepril was approved in many countries beginning in 1990.

Structure and properties

Benazepril (C24H28N2O5, Mr = 424.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as benazepril hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. The peptidomimetic is a prodrug and is hydrolyzed in the body to the active ingredient benazeprilate.

Effects

Benazepril (ATC C09AA07) has antihypertensive properties and unloads the heart (preload and afterload). The effects are due to inhibition of the formation of angiotensin II from angiotensin I by inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Benazepril thus abolishes the effects of antiogensin II.

Indications

For the treatment of hypertension and as an adjunctive treatment for heart failure. As a veterinary drug, benazepril is used to treat heart failure in dogs and chronic renal failure in cats.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is taken once or twice daily, regardless of meals.

Contraindications

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been observed with diuretics, lithium, indomethacin, antidiabetics, and gold, among others. Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics may increase the risk for hyperkalemia.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include cough, respiratory infections, rash, headache, dizziness, fatigue, orthostatic discomfort, palpable heartbeats, urinary urgency, and indigestion. Other possible side effects include hypersensitivity reactions, angioedema, and hyperkalemia.