Enalapril is used to treat mild, moderate, or severe heart failure and high blood pressure, and is usually used in combination with other medications. Enalapril requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold by the tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Helps the heart beat more efficiently
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Prevents fluid build-up in the lungs
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Lowers blood pressure
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Improves ability to tolerate exercise
How it works: Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is needed to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Cautions: Do not give your pet potassium supplements unless directed to by your veterinarian. Enalapril may cause birth defects. Do not give to pregnant animals.
More Information:
Brand Name Enacard (Merial), Vasotec (Merck)
Generic Name Enalapril
What is the most important information I should know about Enalapril: Enalapril is FDA approved for use in dogs only; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use Enalapril in cats as well. Enalapril is available by prescription as 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 0.25mg per pound once a day. The usual dose in cats is 0.1 to 0.25mg per pound once a day. The dose of Enalapril may require adjustment based on the animal¿s response to treatment. Enalapril is usually administered with furosemide and digoxin. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or if you plan on breeding your pet. Enalapril could cause birth defects. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. If the pet becomes dehydrated, this can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.
What is Enalapril: Enalapril belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Enalapril is used in dogs to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. Enalapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Enalapril to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to enalapril or any other ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), captopril (Capoten), or benazopril (Lotensin) or any other medications. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease; heart disease or congestive heart failure; diabetes; lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant, lactating, or if you intend to breed your pet. Enalapril may cause birth defects or harm a nursing pup.
How should this medication be given: Give Enalapril exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give this medication in larger amounts, or take for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Enalapril may be given with or without food. Periodic liver and kidney function testing may be required by your veterinarian. Store Enalapril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you feel an overdose was given. Symptoms of Enalapril overdose may include dizziness and fainting.
What should I avoid while giving Enalapril: Do not give potassium supplements to your pet unless directed to by your veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Enalapril: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop using this Enalapril and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives). Call your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these serious side effects; fainting; urinating more or less than usual, or not at all; fever, chills; easy bruising, or bleeding; swelling, rapid weight gain. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Enalapril, but speak to your veterinarian if your pet experiences; cough; loss of appetite; dizziness, drowsiness; sleep problems; dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; mild itching or skin rash. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Enalapril: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given; a potassium supplement; aspirin or other NSAIDs such as etodolac (EtoGesic), carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), and others; a diuretic. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Enalapril 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:
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Enalapril is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is FDA approved for use in dogs only, however it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe enalapril for cats as well.
•
Enalapril is used to treat mild, moderate, or severe heart failure and high blood pressure and is usually used in combination with other medications.
•
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or if you plan on breeding your pet. Enalapril could cause birth defects.
Tip: Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Enalapril may be given with or without food. Periodic liver and kidney function testing may be required by your veterinarian.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
Usual dosage is 0.25mg per pound of pet’s body weight once daily or as directed by veterinarian
Cats:
All weights
Usual dosage is 0.1-0.25mg per pound of pet’s body weight once daily or as directed by veterinarian
Horses:
Storage: Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Our 12 year old Sheltie was dianosed with congestive heart failure. Our vet put him on Enalapril, Vetmedin and Lasix, a diaretic. The change in him was unbelievable. He was peppy again, playing with his toys again and running around happy again. He can go on walks again, which he couldn't do before. Highly recommend this therapy and these meds.
Our cat Bogart was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in August of 2010. He looked horrible and didn't have that usual spring in his step. He is 12 but you could see the change in him over a matter of 2 days. After getting treated overnight we were told to just give him enalapril, lasix and baby aspirin (every 3 days) and he is doing incredibly awesome and playing, eating and everything else a healthy cat would do. I was totally amazed by the transformation and am so happy that we ended up not having him euthanized.
We have had Rosie on Enalapril for about 5 weeks along with a diuretic to remove the water on her lungs. She hasa an enlarged heart and was unable to remove the fluids from her lungs. She is breathing better and has more energy. making her more attentive to her surroundings.
Enalapril was prescribed by our Vet for our little Chihuahua. He will eventually die of Congestive Heart Failure. He is not a typical Chihuahua, he is calm, sweet and loves people. His poor little body is just to small for his heart.
We initially gave the prescription and stopped when it was gone. Then 1 night Snoopy kept caughing and didn't stop caughing for days until I picked up the Enalapril-he stopped caughing. I just hope this prolongs his life.
What I recommend is, give your pets the medication prescribed by the Vet and don't stop this type of maintenance drug.
1-800-Pet Meds was great, courteous and professional.
Cosmo is a golden ret. with a enlarged heart that pushes on his wind pipe, he is going to be 12 on dec 7th. We have notice some improvement with the medication, he no longer sounds "like a obscence phone caller" (heavy breather) We have been so blessed with having Cosmo be a part of our family and we know for a large breed he is very old, we just want to make his last years comfortable.
Sure. If it's easier to give the medication by crushing the tablet and mixing it in with a small amount of food or water you can certainly do that as long as the pet finishes all the food or water the medication is crushed into.
My chihuahua has been put on enacard 2.5 mg twice a day for an enlarged heart. Since taking the medicine, he has been having fly-biting seizures and vet checked his liver bile acids and were slightly elevated. Just wondering if medicine could cause this.
I am not aware of Enacard (enalapril) causing any type of seizure, including fly-bite seizures. However, enalapril can have a negative effect on the liver which is why liver function tests need to be performed periodically.
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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