Definition of the effective dose of the converting-enzyme inhibitor benazepril

Benazepril was shown in preclinical studies to be a potent and specific inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme with a benign toxicologic profile. Its onset and duration of action and the dose-response relationship of its antihypertensive effect have been evaluated. The results of these studies show that 20 mg of benazepril once daily lowers blood pressure by a clinically important amount, which was statistically superior to placebo in three double-blind studies. Doses as low as 10 mg once daily may be effective in individual patients. Doses of 40 and 80 mg once daily have been evaluated and provide small further reductions beyond those seen with the 20 mg dose. Adverse effects are uncommon and generally not dose related. Thiazide diuretics add to the antihypertensive action of benazepril, which has little effect on blood chemistry, apart from a slight rise in serum potassium.