Enalapril Maleate, USP for Dogs & Cats - 20 mg (1 tablet) - [Hypertension]

Enalapril Maleate Tablet USP is a prescription medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and chronic kidney failure in dogs and cats. It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart function.

Key Benefits

• Blood Pressure Management: Enalapril helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood effectively.
• Heart Failure Support: For pets with heart failure, enalapril can improve heart function and reduce the symptoms of heart failure, such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Kidney Function Improvement: In cases of chronic kidney failure, enalapril can help protect the kidneys by reducing protein loss in the urine and improving blood flow to the kidneys.
• Overall Quality of Life: By effectively managing hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney failure, enalapril can help improve your pet's overall quality of life and increase their longevity.
• Easy Administration: Enalapril is available in tablet form, making it easy to administer to your pet either with or without food, as directed by your veterinarian.

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.

Indications

Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can decrease efferent glomerular resistance, reduce proteinuria and have protective effects on the kidney. They work for adjunctive treatment in idiopathic glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure and protein losing neophopathies in small animals. Many veterinary cardiologists use ACE inhibitors for the treatment of CHF in cats and dogs. It may also be used to treat hypertension.

Specifications:

• Brand: Enalapril Maleate
• Type: Oral tablet
• Indicated for: Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and chronic kidney failure in dogs and cats
• Dosage Form: Tablet
• Available Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
• Administration: Administered orally, with or without food
• Packaging: Available in blister packs or bottles
• Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
• Manufacturer: Various generic manufacturers
• Prescription Required: Yes, prescription-only medication. Must be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Active Ingredients:

Enalapril maleate, USP

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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

Precautions:

Enalapril should not be given to pets who are allergic to ACE inhibitors. Pregnant or nursing females should not take Enalapril. This medication should be taken with caution by pets with kidney disease.

This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects are decreased appetite, stomach upset, lethargy, and incoordination. Hypotension (low blood pressure) can also occur. Signs of low blood pressure include weakness/collapse, other kidney problems, increased drinking/urination, slowed heart rate, and a weak pulse. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any behaviors or symptoms that seem unusual after beginning Enalapril.

Warnings:

Enalapril is contraindicated in those with a hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors. Use with caution and close supervision in patients with renal insufficiency. Doses may need to be reduced. Use of ACE inhibitors in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is not usually recommended because they can potentially have negative effects on glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Ensure patients are stable and recovering from AKI before administering.

Human Precautions:

In humans, rashes, neutropenia and agranulocytosis have been noted, and ACE inhibitors commonly cause coughs in humans, but this is rare in animals. Enalapril crosses the placenta and has a "black box" warning in humans, instructing that use should be immediately discontinued if pregnant. It is a category C medication during the first trimester and a category D medication during the second and third trimesters. Enalapril is excreted in milk. Do not assume use during nursing is safe. Do not use animal drugs in humans.

Storage:

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep away from children and pets.