Imidapril
Also known as: Prilium
**Purpose:** Imidapril helps your pet's heart pump more easily by relaxing the blood vessels. It is also used to protect the kidneys from losing too much protein in certain kidney diseases. **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is typically given as a liquid once a day. **What to watch for:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems unusually tired, weak, dizzy, or loses their appetite. These could be signs that their blood pressure has dropped too low. **Monitoring:** Your vet will need to check your pet's blood pressure and run blood tests periodically to ensure their kidneys are handling the medication well and that their potassium levels remain safe.
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
- Congestive heart failure, proteinuria, or hypertension
- Cardiac disease or proteinuria
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Azotemia
- Anorexia (rare)
- Vomiting (rare)
- Diarrhea (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Acute renal failure
- Congenital heart disease
- Hemodynamically relevant stenoses (e.g., aortic stenosis)
- Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hypovolemia
- Breeding, pregnant, or lactating bitches
- Dogs weighing < 4 kg (safety not established)
- Regular monitoring of **blood pressure**, **serum creatinine**, **urea**, and **electrolytes** is strongly recommended during ACE inhibitor treatment. Dosage should be reduced if there are clinical signs of hypotension (e.g., weakness, disorientation). Use cautiously in patients with hyponatremia or outflow tract obstructions.
Drug interactions
- Spironolactone: Could result in hyperkalemia, though in practice, spironolactone and ACE inhibitors appear safe to use concurrently.
- Potassium supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- NSAIDs: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and decreased clinical efficacy of the ACE inhibitor.
- Diuretics: Increased risk of hypotension.
- Vasodilators (e.g., anesthetic agents, antihypertensives): Increased risk of hypotension.
- Beta-blockers: Increased risk of hypotension when combined with negative inotropes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Imidapril used for in pets?
**Purpose:** Imidapril helps your pet's heart pump more easily by relaxing the blood vessels. It is also used to protect the kidneys from losing too much protein in certain kidney diseases. **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is typically given as a liquid once a day. **What to watch for:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems unusually tired, weak, dizzy, or loses their appetite. These could be signs that their blood pressure has dropped too low. **Monitoring:** Your vet will need to check your pet's blood pressure and run blood tests periodically to ensure their kidneys are handling the medication well and that their potassium levels remain safe.
Is Imidapril 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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