Benazepril is used as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, reduce albuminuria produced by chronic renal failure in cat and dog. It is used for treatment of congestive heart-failure, hypertension, and chronic renal failure in cat and dog.
Benaprezilat is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), thus preventing the conversion of inactive angiotensin I to its active angiotensin II and thereby also reducing synthesis of aldosterone. Therefore, it blocks effects mediated by angiotensin II and aldosterone, including vasoconstriction of both arteries and veins, retention of sodium and water by the kidney and remodelling effects (including pathological cardiac hypertrophy and degenerative renal changes).
The veterinary medicinal product causes long-lasting inhibition of plasma ACE activity, with more than 95% inhibition at peak effect and significant activity (>80% in dogs) persisting 24 hours after dosing. The veterinary medicinal product reduces the blood pressure and volume load on the heart in dogs with congestive heart failure. In cats with experimental renal insufficiency, benazepril normalized the elevated glomerular capillary pressure and reduced the systemic blood pressure. Reduction in glomerular hypertension may retard the progression of kidney disease by inhibition of further damage to the kidneys. Placebo controlled clinical field studies in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have demonstrated that benazepril significantly reduced levels of urine protein and urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC); this effect is probably mediated via reduced glomerular hypertension and beneficial effects on the glomerular basement membrane. No effect of benazepril on survival in cats with CKD has been shown, but benazepril increased the appetite of the cats, particularly in more advanced cases.