Pimobendan & Benazepril Tablets for Cat
Pimobendan & Benazepril Tablets for Cat are prescription cardiac medications formulated to support heart function, improve circulation, and reduce blood pressure in cats diagnosed with heart disease. This dual-therapy approach helps manage conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and systemic hypertension with cardiac involvement.
Strength Available: 2.5 mg
Pack Size: 10 Tablets
Product Overview
- Category: Heart & Liver Care
- Form: Oral tablets
- Primary Use: Management of feline heart disease
- Administration: Oral (as directed by veterinarian)
- Use Type: Veterinary prescription (off-label in cats)
What Is Pimobendan & Benazepril?
This combination therapy includes two complementary cardiac medications:
Pimobendan
- Positive inotrope (improves heart muscle contraction)
- Vasodilator (widens blood vessels)
- Enhances cardiac output without significantly increasing oxygen demand
Benazepril
- ACE inhibitor (blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces cardiac workload
- Protects kidney function by reducing proteinuria
Together, they improve heart efficiency while decreasing strain on the cardiovascular system.
Indications in Cats
Though widely used in dogs, this combination is increasingly prescribed off-label in feline cardiology for:
1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) with CHF
- Improves cardiac output
- Reduces vascular resistance
2. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Supports weak heart contractions
3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Enhances circulation and symptom control
4. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Reduces fluid buildup
- Improves oxygen delivery
5. Systemic Hypertension with Cardiac Involvement
- Controls elevated blood pressure
- Reduces cardiac remodeling
Mechanism of Action
| Drug | Mechanism | Primary Benefit |
| Pimobendan | Phosphodiesterase III inhibition & calcium sensitization | Improves contractility & reduces afterload |
| Benazepril | ACE inhibition | Lowers blood pressure & protects kidneys |
Dosage & Administration
⚠️ Veterinary supervision required. Dosages are individualized.
General Dosage Guidelines
| Medication | Dose Range | Frequency |
| Pimobendan | 0.1–0.3 mg/kg | Twice daily (every 12 hours) |
| Benazepril | 0.5–1 mg/kg | Once daily |
Example Dosing by Weight
| Cat Weight | Pimobendan (mg) | Benazepril (mg) |
| 2 kg | 0.2–0.6 mg BID | 1–2 mg SID |
| 3 kg | 0.3–0.9 mg BID | 1.5–3 mg SID |
| 4 kg | 0.4–1.2 mg BID | 2–4 mg SID |
| 5 kg | 0.5–1.5 mg BID | 2.5–5 mg SID |
| 6 kg | 0.6–1.8 mg BID | 3–6 mg SID |
BID = Twice daily
SID = Once daily
Administration Tips
- Can be given with or without food (unless otherwise directed)
- Tablets may be split or compounded into liquid form
- Give at consistent times daily
- Ensure access to fresh water
- Do not stop medication abruptly without veterinary advice
Monitoring During Treatment
Regular monitoring is essential:
- Blood pressure checks (initially every 2–4 weeks)
- Kidney function (BUN, creatinine, urine protein)
- Electrolytes (potassium, sodium)
- Resting respiratory rate (<30 breaths/min ideal)
Benefits of Combination Therapy
- Improved exercise tolerance
- Reduced fluid congestion
- Lower blood pressure
- Delayed progression of heart disease
- Enhanced quality of life
- Potential survival extension in CHF cases
Possible Side Effects
Common (Mild)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
Less Common but Serious
- Hypotension (weakness, collapse)
- Kidney dysfunction
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Seek immediate veterinary care if collapse, severe weakness, or breathing difficulty occurs.
Precautions
- Not for use in severe hypotension or shock
- Use cautiously in cats with advanced kidney disease
- Avoid combining with NSAIDs without veterinary approval
- Monitor closely if used with diuretics or beta-blockers
Drug Interactions
Use caution with:
- NSAIDs
- Other ACE inhibitors
- Spironolactone (monitor potassium)
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
Always inform your veterinarian about all medications your cat is receiving.
Clinical Evidence & Veterinary Support
- Pimobendan has demonstrated improved survival times in cats with CHF in clinical case studies.
- Benazepril is widely studied in feline hypertension and proteinuric kidney disease.
- Combination therapy is supported by veterinary cardiology case data for improved cardiac efficiency and symptom control.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
- Vomiting persists beyond 24 hours
- Weakness or collapse
- Significant appetite loss
- Increased breathing rate
- Sudden behavior changes
FAQ
Is this FDA-approved for cats?
It is commonly used off-label in feline cardiology under veterinary supervision.
How long does my cat need this medication?
Most heart conditions require lifelong management.
Can it cure heart disease?
No. It manages symptoms and slows progression.
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