Benazepril/Isoxsuprine Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Benazepril is an (ACE) inhibitor that is used in combination with the vasodilator Isoxsuprine for cardiovascular and vascular conditions.
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 benazepril, an ACE inhibitor, with isoxsuprine, a vasodilator — 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. Benazepril is a prodrug that is converted in the body to its active form, benazeprilat, which inhibits the ACE enzyme to help address the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This promotes the relaxation of blood vessels and may be part of a management approach for long-term fluid balance. Isoxsuprine acts as a beta-adrenergic agonist, specifically targeting beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of blood vessels. This action results in direct vasodilation of peripheral arteries, facilitating smoother blood flow to the extremities. Your veterinarian will determine the clinical appropriateness of this combination medication based on diagnostic findings, such as blood pressure evaluations or localized circulatory assessments.
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 following the administration of benazepril/isoxsuprine include localized digestive changes such as vomiting, loose stools or a decrease in appetite. Because both active ingredients influence blood pressure and vessel diameter, some pets may experience hypotension (low blood pressure) or a localized increase in heart rate (tachycardia), which can manifest as significant weakness or disorientation. Your veterinarian will monitor for shifts in renal parameters through periodic blood work to ensure the management approach 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 occur.
This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in patients with known severe renal impairment, pre-existing low blood pressure or those with a history of recent hemorrhage. It is also carefully evaluated in pregnant or lactating animals, as ACE inhibitors are associated with specific developmental considerations in fetal health. Before starting any new prescriptions, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other supplements or medications your pet is receiving to avoid significant interactions, particularly with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the necessary monitoring frequency to ensure the safety of this combination.
Yes. Benazepril/isoxsuprine is a combination of prescription medications 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. Because this specific two-drug combination is not available as a single commercial product, Mixlab specializes in compounding it into customized strengths and flavored dosage forms—such as oral liquids or flavored powders—to simplify administration for your pet. The decision to use a compounded formulation rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss this combination when they want to manage both the systemic blood pressure and the specific blood flow to the horse's extremities. Benazepril may be part of a management approach for the overall workload on the heart, while isoxsuprine focuses on relaxing the vessels in the legs to support localized circulation.
If your pet appears unusually weak, faints or seems suddenly disoriented after starting this combination, these may be observational signs of low blood pressure. You should report these behavioral shifts to your veterinarian immediately so they can perform a clinical assessment and determine if the management approach remains appropriate.
