FORTEKOR is indicated for the treatment of heart failure in dogs and chronic renal insufficiency in cats. The active ingredient is benazepril. After oral administration, benazepril is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and hydrolysed into benazeprilat, a highly specific and potent inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).

FORTEKOR produces significant inhibition of plasma ACE activity for more than 24 hours after a single dose in cats and dogs. Inhibition of ACE leads to reduced 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 heart failure, FORTEKOR lowers the blood pressure and volume loading on the heart. FORTEKOR leads to a significant extension of the life span of dogs with heart failure and also improves clinical signs, notably reduction in coughing and improvement of the quality of life.

In contrast with other ACE inhibitors, benazeprilat is excreted equally by both biliary and urinary routes in dogs and primarily via the biliary route in cats and therefore no adjustment of the dose of FORTEKOR is necessary in the treatment of cats with renal insufficiency.

In cats with chronic renal insufficiency, Fortekor reduces the protein loss in urine and lowers the systemic and intraglomerular blood pressure. Reduction in glomerular hypertension retards the progression of kidney disease by inhibition of further damage to the kidneys. Fortekor increases the appetite, quality of life and the survival time of the cats, particularly in advanced disease.

Fortekor can be given with or without food. The duration of the treatment will be unlimited.

 Available in 2.5mg, 5mg and 20mg tablets.

This item requires a prescription from your local veterinarian.