Benazepril, brand name Lotensin, belongs to the class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and is used primarily to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug can also be used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and type II diabetes. Benazepril is a prodrug which, following oral administration, undergoes biotransformation in vivo into its active form benazeprilat via cleavage of its ester group by the liver. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a component of the body's renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and cleaves inactive angiotensin I into the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. ACE (or kininase II) also degrades the potent vasodilator bradykinin. Consequently, ACE inhibitors decrease angiotensin II concentrations and increase bradykinin concentrations resulting in blood vessel dilation and thereby lowering blood pressure. Benazeprilat is transported through a cell membrane of the liver and into the blood cells by solute carrier family 15 member 1 and 2. After inhibiting ACE, the benazeprilat will be renally excreted. Symptoms targeted by benazepril are primarily high blood pressure, as well as congestive heart failure and type II diabetes. Side effects of benazepril are cough, dizziness, headache, etc.. The organs affected by benazepril are the heart and kidneys.

Benazepril Pathway (ACEI) References