Amlodipine besylate is used in cats for the treatment of systemic hypertension (high blood pressure). Although Amlodipine besylate is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for cats. Amlodipine requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats
Benefits:
•
Treats high blood pressure in cats
•
Relaxes the arterial muscles to help decrease blood pressure
How it works:
Amlodipine is known as a calcium-channel blocker. It works by blocking the calcium needed for muscle contraction. Amlodipine works primarily on the arterial muscles to relax them so they can dilate and the blood pressure decreases.
Cautions:
Notify your doctor if your cat has liver problems before administering this medication. Amlodipine should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals. In rare instances, Amlodipine is used in dogs. If used in a dog, this medication may also cause the blood to take longer to clot.
More Information:
Brand Name Norvasc
Generic Name amlodipine besylate
What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine besylate: Amlodipine besylate is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in cats. Amlodipine besylate is available as 2.5mg tablets. The usual dose to treat systemic hypertension is 0.625mg (1/4 of a 2.5mg tablet) by mouth once a day.
What is Amlodipine besylate: Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers affect the heart and blood vessels. Amlodipine besylate is used to treat certain high blood pressure especially in cats with kidney disease. Amlodipine besylate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving amlodipine besylate to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart disease, or liver disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Amlodipine besylate can be given with food. Do not stop giving amlodipine besylate. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure which can lead to blindness, kidney damage, seizures, or collapse. Store amlodipine besylate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of amlodipine besylate overdose include staggering due to dizziness, collapse, or slow heart rate.
What should I avoid while giving Amlodipine besylate to my pet: Amlodipine besylate should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use amlodipine besylate with caution in animals with heart failure or liver disease. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing females. Do not use in breeding males.
What are the possible side effects of Amlodipine besylate: For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving amlodipine besylate and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). In cats side effects are rare but may include drowsiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the gums, or rapid heart rate. In dogs, may also cause the blood to take longer to clot. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Amlodipine besylate: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), diuretics (furosemide, Salix), beta blockers (atenolol), and other blood pressure medications. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with amlodipine besylate. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements..
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Amlodipine besylate written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
Give Amlodipine to your cat exactly as your veterinarian prescribes.
•
If you miss giving your cat a dose of Amlodipine, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Tip: The medication can be given with food.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Amount
Cats:
All weights
0.625mg (1/4 of a 2.5 mg tablet) once a day.
Dogs:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature.
Amlodipine:
Active Ingredients
Amount
Amlodipine besylate
2.5 mg
Amlodipine
5
5
2
2
Reversed Blindness!!
My 16 year old cat went blind. The vet said there was nothing that could be done. She said that the blindness was probably caused by a brain thing. My husband looked up on internet,"Sudden Blindness in Cats". An article said that blindness could be brought on by high blood pressure (causing detached retinas). My vet hadn't even checked my cat's blood pressure. We brought our cat back to the vet. My cat's blood pressure was borderline high. The vet prescribed amlodipine (1/4 pill, 2.5 mg) along with enalapril (2.5 mg). Both pills once a day.
After two days, my cat can see!! It is like a miracle!!
10/15/2012
Helped my kitty so much!!
In three short weeks, 1/2 a pill per day brought my cat's blood pressure down from over 200 to below 150. My cat seems very happy, and so am I. Putting it in a treat seems to work best for us, much better than the pill popper thing. I am glad her vet recommended this medicine for her. :)
01/29/2011
Amlodipine besylate is used in cats for the treatment of systemic hypertension (high blood pressure). i ask before about the size of this pill, if it is used a lot for treating cats and dogs , what about making the pill a small dose, or making the pill larger so we can cut it, like flatting it so it can be cut in size we need it.
We do not manufacture the tablet; therefore, the size cannot be changed. We do not compound Amlodipine; however, your local compounding pharmacy may. Check with them to see if it can be compounded in the dose you need.
" usual dose to treat systemic hypertension is 0.625mg (1/4 of a 2.5mg tablet) by mouth once a day". why not have pill that small it is hard to cut these pills up.
Amlodipine is generally used in humans and has recently been used in pets. The 2.5mg strength is the smallest dose commercially available. Pharmacies will compounded amlodipine to a 0.625mg tablet which will bring the up the cost per tablet due to costs associated to compound it. If you prefer to get the exact dose of 0.625mg with out cutting the tablet into quarters, perhaps seeking a compounding pharmacy to make the pill is your best option.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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