What is the dosing of benazepril (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor)?

From the Guidelines

Benazepril should be dosed at 10 mg daily as the starting dose, with a goal dose of 20-40 mg/d in 1-2 divided doses for adults. This dosing recommendation is based on the guidelines outlined in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1. The goal dose should be at the higher end of the dose range when possible, as higher levels of blood pressure are associated with more rapid progression of kidney disease. It is essential to monitor blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels within 1-2 weeks of starting therapy or after dose adjustments.

Some key points to consider when dosing benazepril include:

• Starting dose: 10 mg daily
• Goal dose: 20-40 mg/d in 1-2 divided doses
• Importance of monitoring blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels
• Potential side effects, such as dry cough, hyperkalemia, and angioedema, particularly during the initial treatment period

The effectiveness of benazepril in slowing the progression of kidney disease characterized by microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes has been demonstrated in several studies 1. ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril, decrease urine albumin excretion, slow the increase in albumin excretion, and delay the progression from microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria in kidney disease due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

In clinical practice, it is crucial to individualize the dose of benazepril based on the patient's response to therapy, with adjustments made to achieve optimal blood pressure control while minimizing potential side effects.

From the FDA Drug Label

1. 1 Recommended Dosage ADULTS The recommended initial dose for patients not receiving a diuretic is 10 mg once a day. The usual maintenance dosage range is 20 mg to 40 mg per day administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 6 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients is 0.2 mg/kg once per day. Titrate as needed to 0.6 mg/kg once per day. 2.2 Dose Adjustment for Renal Impairment For adults with a GFR <30 mL/min/1. 73 m 2 (serum creatinine >3 mg/dL), the recommended initial dose is 5 mg benazepril hydrochloride tablets once daily.

The dosing of benazapril is as follows:

• Adults: The recommended initial dose is 10 mg once a day, with a usual maintenance dosage range of 20 mg to 40 mg per day.
• Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older: The recommended starting dose is 0.2 mg/kg once per day, titrated as needed to 0.6 mg/kg once per day.
• Adults with renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m^2): The recommended initial dose is 5 mg once daily 2.

From the Research

Dosing of Benazapril

• The dosing of benazapril is not explicitly discussed in terms of specific dosage recommendations in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• However, the studies do provide information on the use of benazapril in combination with other medications, such as amlodipine, for the treatment of hypertension 4, 7.
• In one study, benazepril was used at a dose of 40 mg daily, and the combination of benazepril and amlodipine was found to be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients who were not adequately controlled with benazepril alone 4.
• Another study used benazepril at a dose of 10 mg daily, and found that the combination of benazepril and amlodipine was effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension inadequately controlled by an ACE inhibitor alone 7.

Combination Therapy

• The use of benazapril in combination with other medications, such as amlodipine, is a common practice in the treatment of hypertension 4, 7.
• The combination of benazepril and amlodipine has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients who are not adequately controlled with benazepril alone 4, 7.
• The dosing of benazapril in combination with other medications may vary depending on the specific medication and the patient's response to treatment 4, 7.

Clinical Considerations

• The choice of dosing for benazapril should be based on the individual patient's needs and response to treatment 4, 7.
• The use of benazapril in combination with other medications should be carefully considered, and the patient should be monitored for any potential adverse effects 4, 7.
• The studies provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of benazapril in the treatment of hypertension, but do not provide specific guidance on dosing 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.