Amlodipine for Dogs & Cats - 10 mg (90 tabs) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Hypertension Treatment]

Amlodipine besylate is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It affects the heart and blood vessels and is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), especially in cats with kidney disease.

Key Benefits

• Treats high blood pressure in cats and dogs
• Used to decrease blood pressure in animals with chronic kidney disease
• Also used as an adjunct medication in the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs

How It Works

Amlodipine treats dogs and cats suffering from various heart conditions including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a general class of drugs known as dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Therefore, it effectively blocks calcium channels, reducing the contraction of the heart muscle and dilating the arteries. This medications slows the heart beat, lowering blood pressure and making the heart pump blood more efficiently.

Indications

Amlodipine besylate tablets are a calcium channel blocker and may be used alone or in combination with otherantihypertensive and antianginal agents for the treatment of:

Hypertension

• Amlodipine besylate tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Loweringblood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardialinfarctions.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Chronic Stable AnginaVasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant Angina)
• Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery Disease in patients without heart failure or an ejection fraction < 40%.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. May be given with food. Do not miss a dose. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure, which could lead to blindness, kidney damage, seizures, or collapse. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Tip: The medication can be given with food.

Cautions:

Notify your doctor if your pet has liver problems before administering this medication. Amlodipine should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals. If used in a dog, this medication may also cause the blood to take longer to clot.

Precautions:

Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Use with caution in animals with heart failure or liver disease. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating females. Do not use in breeding males. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure, which could lead to blindness, kidney damage, seizures, or collapse. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and blood pressure measurements that are necessary during treatment with amlodipine.

Possible Side Effects:

Cats: Side effects are rare. May see lethargy (drowsiness), loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the gums (gingival hyperplasia), or rapid heart rate.

Dogs: May see effects listed above. May also cause the blood to take longer to clot. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose:

May see staggering (dizziness), collapse, or slow heart rate. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Storage:

Store this product at room temperature.