Benazepril. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Benazepril is a nonsulfhydryl ACE inhibitor prodrug, which is converted in vivo to its active form, benazeprilat. Data from clinical studies have indicated that benazepril 5 to 80 mg (usually 10 to 20 mg), administered as a single daily dose, effectively decreases blood pressure in patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension. In a small number of comparative studies, the anti-hypertensive efficacy of benazepril appeared to be at least equivalent to that of captopril, enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide, nifedipine, nitrendipine or propranolol at usual therapeutic doses. Combinations of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide or nifedipine achieved a greater lowering of blood pressure than benazepril alone, and this approach may be suitable for patients with more severe hypertension. Benazepril is reported to have beneficial effects on various indices of cardiac function and to improve clinical symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure. The tolerability of benazepril in clinical trials has been very good, with an incidence of adverse effects similar to that observed in placebo recipients. Thus, benazepril appears to be an effective alternative to other members of its class for the management of hypertension, and further studies will accurately define its usefulness in congestive heart failure.