What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Benazepril
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Product Details
Description
Benazepril, sold for pets under names like Fortekor, is a prescription medicine for dogs and cats. Veterinarians may prescribe it to help with heart problems in dogs and kidney disease in cats. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which helps the heart pump blood more easily and lower blood pressure. In cats with chronic kidney disease, it may help reduce protein loss in the urine.
Fact Table
Formula
C24H28N2O5·HCl
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
At least 37% oral absorption
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Benazepril hydrochloride; benazepril 3-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenyl-(1S)-propyl]amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-1-(3S)-benzazepine-1-acetic acid monohydrochloride
Elimination half-life
10–11 hours for benazeprilat accumulation half-life
Dosage (Strength)
Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg; adult initial dose 10 mg once daily; usual maintenance 20–40 mg/day
Pregnancy
Do not use in pregnancy; discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected
Brands
Lotensin, Lotensin HCT, Lotrel
Protein binding
Benazepril 96.7%; benazeprilat 95.3%
PubChem CID
5362123
MedlinePlus
a692011
ChEBI
3012
ATC code
C09AA07
DrugBank
DB00542; DBSALT000554
KEGG
D00620; D07499
Routes of administration
Oral
Directions
Give benazepril exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. It is given by mouth once a day, with or without food, and the dose depends on your pet’s weight and health condition. Your veterinarian may change the dose if needed.
If you split a scored tablet, put the unused half back in the blister pack, keep it in the box, and use it within 2 days. Benazepril is often used long term, so keep giving it unless your veterinarian tells you to stop.
If you miss a dose, give the next dose at the regular time and do not give two doses at once. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests during treatment to check your pet’s kidneys and electrolyte levels.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is benazepril hydrochloride. The full list of inactive ingredients varies by manufacturer and is not always published.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a veterinarian about the following:
- Any existing health conditions your pet has, especially kidney, heart, or liver disease
- Any known allergies
- A list of all medications your pet is currently taking
Benazepril can lower blood pressure. In rare cases this may cause signs such as lethargy or unsteadiness, also called ataxia, particularly when it is used together with a diuretic.
Kidney function and electrolytes should be monitored during treatment. In dogs and cats, benazepril may increase creatinine levels at the start of treatment, and ACE inhibitors can sometimes increase potassium levels, so periodic bloodwork is recommended.
Use with care alongside other blood-pressure-lowering medications such as diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or beta-blockers, as the effects on blood pressure may be amplified. Combining ACE inhibitors with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may reduce the medication’s effect or affect kidney function.
The safety of benazepril has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals, so it should be used in these pets only when your veterinarian deems it necessary.
This product is for animal use under veterinary direction. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Store in a dry place and do not store above 25°C. Wash your hands after handling the tablets.
Contraindications
Avoid using this medication if any of the following apply:
- A known allergy or hypersensitivity to benazepril or to other ACE inhibitors.
- Pets with low blood pressure, or hypotension; low blood volume, or hypovolaemia; low sodium levels, or hyponatraemia; or acute kidney, or renal, failure.
- Pets with reduced cardiac output caused by a narrowing of the heart valves or vessels, such as aortic or pulmonary stenosis.
- Pregnant or nursing animals, unless your veterinarian decides the benefit outweighs the risk, as ACE inhibitors may harm a developing fetus.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon, but those reported include:
- Lethargy or low energy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Unsteadiness or wobbliness, also called ataxia
Contact your veterinarian if any of these signs persist or worsen. Because benazepril lowers blood pressure, some pets may become weak. If your pet collapses, becomes very weak, or stops eating, seek veterinary advice. In severe cases, death has been reported, sometimes as a progression of the underlying heart or kidney disease being treated. In the case of an accidental overdose, a temporary drop in blood pressure can occur and your veterinarian may need to provide supportive care.
References
Fortekor 2.5 mg Tablets for Cats and Dogs, benazepril hydrochloride, Package Leaflet. Hook, UK: Elanco Europe Ltd; 2020.
Fortekor, benazepril hydrochloride, Summary of Product Characteristics. Veterinary Medicines Directorate, UK; 2025.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 15271
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