FORTEKOR FLAVOUR* is indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs. The active ingredient is benazepril hydrochloride. After oral administration, benazepril is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and hydrolysed into benazeprilat, a highly selective and potent inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). FORTEKOR FLAVOUR* produces significant inhibition of plasma ACE activity for more than 24 hours after a single dose in dogs. Inhibition of ACE prevents the conversion of inactive angiotensin I into angiotensin II and therefore reduction in the effects mediated by angiotensin II, including vasoconstriction of both arteries and veins, retention of sodium and water by the kidney and remodelling effects (including pathological cardiac hypertrophy and degenerative renal changes).

In dogs with congestive heart failure, FORTEKOR FLAVOUR* lowers the blood pressure and volume loading on the heart. FORTEKOR FLAVOUR* leads to an extension of the life span of dogs with congestive heart failure and also improves clinical signs, notably reduction in coughing and improvement of the quality of life.

Benazeprilat is excreted equally by both biliary and urinary routes in dogs. The clearance of benazeprilat is not affected in dogs with impaired renal function and therefore, no adjustment of FORTEKOR FLAVOUR* dose is required in cases of renal insufficiency.