Enalapril
Also known as: Enacard, Vasotec, Glioten, Lotrial, Pres, Renitec, Reniten, Xanef
Enalapril is used to help your pet's heart pump more easily or to protect their kidneys from losing protein. * **Administration:** May be given with or without food. If your pet vomits after receiving it on an empty stomach, try giving it with a small treat or meal. * **Consistency is Key:** Do not abruptly stop or reduce therapy without your veterinarian's approval, as this could cause a sudden worsening of heart or kidney disease. * **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea persist or are severe. * **Signs of Low Blood Pressure:** Watch for weakness, lethargy, stumbling, or fainting. If these occur, contact your vet immediately, as the dose may need adjustment. * **Monitoring:** Your vet will need to check your pet's bloodwork (kidney values and potassium) and blood pressure regularly while on this medication.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For adjunctive treatment of heart failure due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- For adjunctive treatment of heart failure due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- For adjunctive treatment of heart failure due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- For proteinuria, hypertension in chronic kidney disease
- For systemic hypertension
- For adjunctive therapy for heart failure
- For dilative cardiomyopathy
- For adjunctive therapy for heart failure
- For adjunctive therapy for heart failure
- As a vasodilator in heart failure
- For adjunctive treatment of heart failure
- For adjunctive treatment of glomerular disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Hypotension
- Renal dysfunction
- Hyperkalemia
- Lethargy (especially in cats)
- Inappetence
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors
- Pregnancy (Category C in first trimester, Category D in second/third trimesters due to fetal kidney developmental risks)
- Use with caution and close supervision in patients with **renal insufficiency** (doses may need to be reduced). Use cautiously in patients with **hyponatremia** or sodium depletion, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, preexisting hematologic abnormalities, or a collagen vascular disease (e.g., SLE). Patients with severe CHF should be monitored very closely upon initiation of therapy for acute hypotension or acute kidney injury. Safe use during nursing cannot be assumed as it is excreted into milk.
Drug interactions
- Antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral agents): Possible increased risk for hypoglycemia; enhanced monitoring recommended
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Potential for increased hypotensive effects; furosemide doses may need reduction (by 25-50%) when adding enalapril
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene): Increased hyperkalemic effects; enhanced monitoring of serum potassium recommended
- Hypotensive agents: Potential for increased hypotensive effect
- Lithium: Increased serum lithium levels possible; increased monitoring required
- NSAIDs: May reduce the anti-hypertensive or positive hemodynamic effects of enalapril; may increase risk for reduced renal function
- Potassium supplements: Increased risk for hyperkalemia
Frequently asked questions
What is Enalapril used for in pets?
Enalapril is used to help your pet's heart pump more easily or to protect their kidneys from losing protein. * **Administration:** May be given with or without food. If your pet vomits after receiving it on an empty stomach, try giving it with a small treat or meal. * **Consistency is Key:** Do not abruptly stop or reduce therapy without your veterinarian's approval, as this could cause a sudden worsening of heart or kidney disease. * **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea persist or are severe. * **Signs of Low Blood Pressure:** Watch for weakness, lethargy, stumbling, or fainting. If these occur, contact your vet immediately, as the dose may need adjustment. * **Monitoring:** Your vet will need to check your pet's bloodwork (kidney values and potassium) and blood pressure regularly while on this medication.
Is Enalapril safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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