Enalapril is a drug that is used in dogs and cats with heart and or kidney problems. Enalapril causes small blood vessels to relax (vasodilation). This makes it easier for blood to circulate, which then decreases blood pressure and decreases the work load on the heart. Enalapril is frequently used with other heart medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers. Enalapril is also used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs.
Enalapril is FDA approved for use in dogs, but not in cats or other companion animals. When the appropriate form or dose of this drug is not available through a veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer, it may be compounded by a specialty pharmacy
Description
Enalapril is a drug that can be used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure in dogs, as well as other heart conditions and chronic kidney failure. It’s sometimes known by the brand names Enacard and Vasotec. Enalapril is a powerful ACE-inhibitor considered to be one of the most effective medications for dogs who suffer from cardiac and blood illnesses, though it’s powerful and can cause serious side effects.
It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that creates a substance that causes blood vessels to constrict. As blood vessels relax, blood pressure decreases, and more oxygen and blood can pass to the heart. This helps reduce stress on the heart and fluid build-up in the lungs. Veterinarians often combine enalapril with other medications such as Furosemide or Digoxin. If your vet prescribes enalapril for your dog, then you must follow their dosage instructions carefully and report any concerning reactions or side effects.
Uses Of Enalapril For Dogs
Enalapril can treat mild to severe heart failure and high blood pressure in dogs. It can also treat heart murmurs, chronic kidney failure, and other heart and blood illnesses. By lowering blood pressure, the drug helps the heart beat more efficiently and prevents fluid from building up in the lungs, improving exercise tolerance. It’s a powerful medication that can only be obtained with a veterinary prescription.
Potential Side-Effects of Enalapril
Serious side-effects that have been associated with enalapril include frequent or non-existent urination, fainting, fever, chills, bleeding, rapid weight gain, bruising, and swelling. Less-severe side effects include, but aren’t limited to diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, skin rash, dry mouth, or problems sleeping.
Enalapril also can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs and cats. Signs that a pet can be allergic include swelling of the lips, face or tongue, hives, or difficulty breathing. Although enalapril is used to treat chronic renal-failure, there are instances of mild to moderate reversible renal-failure, which can be precipitated by volume depletion superimposed on dilatation of the efferent arterioles.
Dosage and Administration of Enalapril
It is important that Enalapril is given in the manner and frequency prescribed. If a dose is missed, give a dose as soon as possible unless it is near the time for the next dose. The pet owner should give the missed dose as soon as possible, but if it is close in time to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and administer the medication again according to the schedule. Two doses should never be given at the same time. The pet should have plenty of water available since he can get thirsty while taking this medication. This medication can be administered with or without food.
If an overdose is recognized promptly, gut-emptying protocols should be tried. Hypotension is the most clinically significant problem when managing an overdose of enalapril. Hospitalization with volume expansion, blood pressure monitoring, and supportive care can be necessary. Popular brand names for manufactured enalapril include Enacard® and Vasotec®.
Specification
- Drug Name: Enalapril
- Common Name: Enacard®, Vasotec®
- Drug Type: ACE Inhibitor
- Used For: Heart failure
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- How Dispensed: Prescription only
- Available Forms: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets, oral liquid
- FDA Approved: Yes, for dogs
Prices of Enalapril For Dogs
$14.15 – $20.99