Amlodipine/Benazepril Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Amlodipine/Benazepril is a compounded formulation containing Amlodipine, Benazepril, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
This compounded formulation combines amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, with benazepril, an ACE inhibitor — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
At a pharmacological level, this medication functions through two distinct mechanisms. Amlodipine acts by inhibiting the movement of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells, which results in the relaxation of the peripheral arteries. Benazepril is a prodrug that is converted to benazeprilat, which may help address the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Because angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and a stimulator of aldosterone release, inhibiting its production may be part of a management approach for systemic vascular resistance and may help address the workload on the heart. Your veterinarian will determine whether this combination is appropriate based on your pet’s diagnostic testing results, blood pressure readings and overall metabolic status.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Commonly observed effects of amlodipine/benazepril administration include lethargy, a decrease in appetite and localized digestive changes such as vomiting or loose stools. Because this medication influences systemic circulation, some pets may experience hypotension (low blood pressure), which can manifest as significant weakness or disorientation. Your veterinarian will monitor for shifts in renal parameters, such as BUN and creatinine, through periodic blood work to ensure the medication remains suitable for your pet's health status. Owners should watch for signs of persistent lethargy or unusual weakness and contact their veterinarian promptly if these behavioral shifts occur.
This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in patients with known severe sodium depletion, dehydration or pre-existing low blood pressure. It is also carefully evaluated in pregnant or lactating animals, as ACE inhibitors are associated with developmental considerations in fetal health. Before starting a protocol, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your pet is receiving, as significant interactions can occur with certain diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or other heart medications. Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the necessary duration of use and the most commonly considered monitoring plan for your pet's individual needs.
Yes. Amlodipine/benazepril is a combination prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your home.
Yes. While individual components are available commercially, Mixlab specializes in compounding amlodipine/benazepril into specialized combination strengths or alternative flavored dosage forms—such as oral liquids or chewable may be considered in cases of—if your veterinarian determines a customized preparation better suits your pet's needs. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss this combination for pets that require a more comprehensive approach to managing blood pressure or heart function. By relaxing the blood vessels through two different physiological pathways, the medication may be part of a management approach for the workload on the heart and supports more stable blood flow throughout the body.
Your veterinarian will typically recommend periodic blood pressure measurements and blood work to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte balance. These diagnostic follow-ups allow your veterinarian to ensure the management approach remains appropriate for your pet's individual metabolic requirements.
