Enalapril

(e-nal-a-pril)

Other names for this medication: Enacard, Vasotec

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

•May be given with or without food

•Make sure your animal has plenty of fresh drinking water available.

•Your animal will need to be monitored with blood tests and blood pressure checks while on this medication.

•Common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and lack of energy.

•Contact your veterinarian if you notice pale or dry gums, severe lack of energy, or weakness.

Description

•Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor

•Available as tablets and oral liquids

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Treatment of heart failure in dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as treatment of:

•Heart failure in other species

•High protein in the urine (proteinuria) in dogs and cats

•High blood pressure in dogs and cats

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal currently has or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in animals:

•That are allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril

•That are pregnant

•With certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Use with caution in animals:

•That are dehydrated

•With low blood pressure

•With kidney, liver, or blood problems

•With certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus

•With low sodium levels (hyponatremia)

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food. Giving with food may help prevent stomach upset.

•Make sure your animal has plenty of fresh drinking water available.

•Measure liquids using an oral syringe, medicine cup, or dosing spoon. Do not use household measuring devices.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Vomiting or diarrhea

•Decreased appetite

•Increased thirst and urination

•Lack of energy. This typically gets better over time.

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Complete loss of appetite, especially in cats

•Weakness, collapse, fever, or rash

•Severe lack of energy, weakness, or dry or pale gums. These may be signs of dehydration or low blood pressure.

•Cough. A dry, persistent cough is a common side effect in humans but is rare in animals.

How will I know it's working?

•You will not be able to see the effects of this medication.

•Your veterinarian will need to run follow-up tests to see how well this medication is working.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced kidney or liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time but is often a lifelong medication. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you. Make sure to refill the prescription to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Overdose

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store tablets in the original container at room temperature.

•Store liquids in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

If stored at room temperature, discard oral liquids after 60 days.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.