Enalapril
(e-nal-a-pril)

• Description: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor
• Other Names forthis Medication: Enacard®, Vasotec®
• Common Dosage Forms: Veterinary: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, & 20 mg tablets

Key Information:

Enalapril is used to treat heartfailure, high blood pressure, and some forms of kidney disease in dogs and cats. It is usually well-tolerated, but vomiting and diarrhea can occur. May be given with or without food. If your animal vomits, stops eating, or acts sick after receiving it on an empty stomach, give with food or small treat to see if this helps. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. If a rash or signs of infection occur (eg, fever) contact your veterinarian immediately. Very important to give as prescribed.

Do not stop or reduce dosage without veterinarian’s guidance.

How is this medication useful?

Enalapril is used to help the heart perform more efficiently by opening up blood vessels and decreasing fluid retention in the body. This drug is also used to protect the kidneys from certain diseases that affect them.

• The FDA has approved this drug for use in dogs.
• The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe and use products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations.

You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

What are the side effects ofthis medication?

Common but usually not serious, side effects include:

• Vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite.

If these signs occur, giving this drug with food may help.

• Tiredness: When beginning enalapril, your animal may show a lack of energy.

This effect usually gets better after some time. If any of these signs are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem, contact your veterinarian.

Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:

• Weakness, collapse, fever, and/or rash can occur, but are rare.
• Cough: A dry persistent cough is a common side effect in humans but is rare in animals.
• Cats: Kidney damage (rare).

If you see any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How should this medication be given?

For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. It’s a good idea to always check the prescription label to be sure you are giving the drug correctly. Enalapril may be given with or without food. If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian. Be sure your animal has plenty of clean drinking water available. If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacistfor tips to help dosing and reducing the stress of medication time.

This medication can be given for various lengths of time; often, this medication is a lifelong therapy. Be sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to continue giving this medication to your animal. Prescription refills may be necessary before the therapy will be complete.

Before stopping this medication, talk to your veterinarian, as there may be importantreasons to continue
its use.

If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.