Enalapril Maleate
- Commonly Prescribed For: Heart and/or Kidney Conditions
- Species: Dogs and Cats
- Therapeutic Class: Vasodilator
General Drug Information and Indications:
- Enalapril Maleate is a vasodilator used primarily in dogs and cats to manage heart and kidney
- conditions by causing vasodilation of the blood vessels. This action helps to reduce the workload
- on the heart and lower blood pressure. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other
- medications like diuretics or beta blockers to enhance efficacy. While FDA-approved for use in
- dogs, enalapril is also commonly used off-label in cats to treat hypertension and heart conditions.
Administration:
- Administer enalapril exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. If a dose is missed, give it as
- soon as possible unless it's near the time for the next dose; do not double the dose. Always wash
- your hands after handling this medication.
- Side Effects:
- Discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately. Common side effects include low
- blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, and stomach upset. Less frequently, kidney damage or
- alterations in blood potassium levels may occur.
- Precautions:
- Enalapril should be kept out of reach of children and only given to the pet for which it was
- prescribed. Regular monitoring of blood chemistry, kidney function, and blood pressure is
- necessary due to the potential worsening of underlying kidney issues and other health risks. Special
- care is needed in pets with decreased liver or kidney function, as well as diabetic animals, as
- enalapril may alter insulin requirements.
- Drug Interactions:
- Careful monitoring is essential when enalapril is used in conjunction with other medications,
- especially diuretics, and other vasodilators, due to risks of significant blood pressure drops and
- changes in potassium levels. NSAIDs, including aspirin, should be avoided as they increase the
- risk of kidney damage.
- Overdose:
- In the event of an accidental overdose, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C. A's Animal
- Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. If a human ingests enalapril by mistake, contact the
- National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222. Always bring the prescription container when
- seeking treatment.
- Storage:
- Storage requirements for enalapril maleate may vary by the strength and dosage form. Consult
- the medication label or your pharmacist for proper storage instructions.