Enalapril

Enalapril is for dogs and cats.

• Treats heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure

• Also used in the treatment of some types of chronic renal failure

• Results can be seen in as little as two weeks

Enalapril is in a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Enalpril works by blocking an enzyme in the body required to cause blood vessels to narrow (constrict). As a result, the blood vessels relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

This is a generic medication.

Enalapril tablets are given orally, with or without food. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Do not abruptly stop giving the medication.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

Enalapril will not cure heart or kidney disease, but can be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms. It may take several weeks to see an improvement in your pet's condition.

Enalapril comes in tablet form.

Enalapril

Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition. Understand what type of monitoring may be necessary while your pet is taking Enalapril.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, blood abnormalities, a vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), may be pregnant, or may be used for breeding.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

Give Enalapril exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. Do not stop the medication or decrease the dose unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. If your pet experience diarrhea, vomiting, or the symptoms worsen while on Enalapril, contact your veterinarian.

Do not use in animals that are hypersensitive (allergic) to this drug or other ACE inhibitors. Not for use in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).

Use with caution in animals with kidney disease.

You may see loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, and incoordination. You may also see low blood pressure, which may cause weakness or collapse; kidney dysfunction, which may cause increased thirst and/or changes in urination; and abnormally high potassium levels, which may cause weakness, a slow heart rate, and a weak pulse. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has any of these signs.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Store at room temperatures (less than 86° F) in a tightly closed, childrproof container, protected from moisture. Do not remove the desiccant. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

The most common sign of an overdose is weakness. May also see any of the other side effects listed above. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Consult your veterinarian before using Enalapril with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, diuretics (e.g. Lasix, Salix), other vasodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) e.g., aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam, firocoxib (previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), or deracoxib (Deramaxx), since interactions may occur.

This medication is commonly given along with diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix, Salix), and may require adjustment of the diuretic dose by your veterinarian.