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 dogs and cats. Amlodipine besylate is available as 2.5mg and 5 mg tablets. The usual dose to treat systemic hypertension in cats is 0.625mg (1/4 of a 2.5mg tablet) by mouth once a day. The usual dose for dogs is 0.025 to 0.05 mg/lb by mouth once a day.
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Amlodipine for Dogs & Cats - 2.5 mg (per tablet) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Hypertension Treatment]
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- Description
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- FAQ
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Description
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%.
Directions
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.
FAQ
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 pets with kidney disease. Amlodipine besylate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart disease, or liver disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
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.
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.
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of amlodipine besylate overdose include staggering due to dizziness, collapse, or slow heart rate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
