Pharmacokinetics of a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, benazepril hydrochloride, in special populations.

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of benazepril hydrochloride in special populations, single or multiple doses between 5 and 20 mg of the new drug were given, and the pharmacokinetics of unchanged benazepril and its pharmacologically active metabolite benazeprilat were compared with those in healthy male volunteers. In elderly subjects and patients with mild and moderate renal insufficiency, there was little change in the kinetics of benazepril or benazeprilat. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min), benazeprilat elimination was slowed, which resulted in greater accumulation after repeated dosing. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, the kinetics and bioavailability of benazeprilat were not affected. Therefore dose adjustment is unnecessary because of the patient's age, mild or moderate renal impairment, or hepatic cirrhosis. Dose reduction is necessary in patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min.