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Enalapril in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Enalapril

Updated on September 10, 2024

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and some types of kidney disease.

Enalapril

Summary

Used For: Enalapril is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure and some forms of kidney disease. Spec

Brands: Enacard®, Vasotec®

Species: Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds

Drug type: Cardiac

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals

Side effects: Most common: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and incoordination

General description

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of excessive protein loss through the urine and chronic kidney failure. FDA approved for use in dogs for heart failure, but is prescribed by veterinarians as an extra-label drug in cats, ferrets, rabbits and birds. [Buy Enalapril now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/enalapril) A prescription from your veterinarian is needed to purchase.

Uses

Used for treatments for heart failure, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, protein loss through the urine, and chronic kidney failure.

How it works

Enalapril decreases the formation of enzymes and hormones in the body that constrict blood vessels, thus dilating veins and decreasing fluid retention.

Dosage

* Dogs: 0.25 – 1 milligrams per kilogram orally every 12-24 hours. * Cats: 0.25 – 0.5 milligrams per kilogram orally every 12-24 hours. * Ferrets: 0.25 – 0.5 milligrams per kilogram orally every 24-48 hours. * Rabbits: 0.25 – 0.5 milligrams per kilogram orally every 24-48 hours. * Birds: 0.25 – 1.25 milligrams per kilogram orally every 8-48 hours.

Forms

1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 milligram tablets. Injectable (IV use) form available at 1.25 milligrams per milliliter in 1 & 2 milliliter vials.

Storage information & handling

Refrigerate oral suspension. Store other forms at room temperature in a tightly closed, childproof container, protected from moisture.

What results can I expect?

Reduction in the symptoms of congestive heart failure and decrease of blood pressure.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

The most common signs of an overdose are weakness and collapse. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

* Lethargy * Decreased appetite * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Decreased blood pressure * Weakness/incoordination * Collapse * Kidney dysfunction * Increased thirst * Increased potassium * Low blood pressure

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Use cautiously in animals with kidney disease * Low sodium * Pregnant or lactating animals * Coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency * Collagen vascular disease (SLE) * Existing red or white blood cell (hematologic) abnormalities

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using enalapril with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Antidiabetic agents (i.e. insulin),diuretics (i.e. furosemide, spironolactone), hypotensive agents,lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam) and potassium supplements may interact with enalapril.

Precaution

The use of enalapril should be used with caution in animals with kidney disease, hematologic abnormalities, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, or low sodium. Use should be avoided in pregnant or lactating animals and those with a previous sensitivity to enalapril.

Sources

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.