Fortekor
Heart & Kidney Disease Treatment
ACE inhibitor for congestive heart failure in dogs and chronic kidney disease in cats. A lifelong medication — save up to 50% buying online.
Buy Fortekor at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Fortekor your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is Fortekor (Benazepril)?
Fortekor is a veterinary ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor manufactured by Elanco. Its active ingredient, benazepril, works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor. This reduces blood pressure, decreases the workload on the heart, and protects the kidneys from further damage.
In dogs, Fortekor is primarily prescribed for congestive heart failure, usually alongside other cardiac medications like Vetmedin (pimobendan) and furosemide. In cats, it is mainly used for chronic kidney disease (CKD), where it helps reduce protein loss through the kidneys and slows disease progression.
Fortekor is available as flavoured tablets in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 20 mg strengths. It is given once daily and can be given with or without food. As a lifelong medication for chronic conditions, it represents a significant ongoing cost, making online purchasing particularly valuable for savings.
Reduces blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys
Heart failure in dogs, kidney disease in cats
Single daily dose — with or without food
Fortekor Dosage
Dogs (Heart Failure)
0.25 mg/kg once daily. A 20 kg Labrador takes one 5 mg tablet daily. A 40 kg German Shepherd takes one 20 mg tablet or two 5 mg tablets daily. Can be increased to 0.5 mg/kg if needed.
Cats (Kidney Disease)
0.5 mg/kg once daily. Most cats (3-5 kg) take one 2.5 mg tablet daily. Larger cats may need a 5 mg tablet. Palatability is good with the flavoured tablets.
Side Effects & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- • Mild reduced appetite
- • Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
- • Lethargy
- • Mild blood pressure drop (rare)
Important Warnings
- • Not for pregnant or breeding animals
- • Monitor kidney values regularly
- • Caution with potassium supplements
- • Not for aortic or mitral stenosis
Fortekor Price Comparison
Fortekor 2.5 mg — 28 tablets
Fortekor 5 mg — 28 tablets
Fortekor 20 mg — 28 tablets
Alternatives to Fortekor
Semintra (Telmisartan) — For cats with CKD
Oral liquid for cats. An ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) that may be better tolerated. Easier to dose with the oral syringe. See our Semintra guide.
Vetmedin (Pimobendan) — For dogs with heart failure
A positive inotrope that strengthens heart contractions. Often prescribed alongside Fortekor for heart failure. See our Vetmedin guide.
Benefortin (Generic Benazepril)
Same active ingredient as Fortekor, typically 15-30% cheaper. Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. Ask your vet about switching to the generic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heart failure in dogs and chronic kidney disease in cats. An ACE inhibitor that reduces blood pressure and protects heart/kidneys.
£0.50-£1.20 per tablet at the vet, £0.25-£0.70 online. Annual savings of £80-£180 buying online.
Generally very well tolerated. Mild appetite loss, vomiting or lethargy possible. Low blood pressure is rare.
Yes. Dogs for heart failure, cats for kidney disease. Different doses for each species.
Yes. For both heart failure and kidney disease, lifelong daily medication with regular monitoring.
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Save on Fortekor
Lifelong heart and kidney medication adds up. Buy online and save £80-£180 per year.