ENALAPRIL
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had any kidney or liver problems, and if your pet is taking any other medications.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: ENACARD®
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Enalapril is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor also called an ACE inhibitor. Enalapril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, appetite loss, or diarrhea are sometimes observed with this medication.
In some patients, blood pressure can drop too low as the peripheral blood vessels are dilated. This manifests as listlessness and lethargy. This side effect is dose dependent.
Enalapril may lead to elevations in potassium blood levels.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Enalapril is commonly used in combination with diuretics, especially furosemide.
Blood potassium levels can become dangerously high when enalapril is used with other medications that elevate blood potassium level. Such drugs might include: potassium supplements or spironolactone.
Enalapril is less effective in the presence of carprofen (Rimadyl®) or other NSAIDs.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is on:
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
Enalapril may be given with or without food.
Enalapril is inactive when it is consumed and must be activated into enalaprilat (its active form) by the liver. If the patient’s liver is in failure and cannot reliably perform this conversion, an ACE inhibitor that does not require conversion can be used.
Enalapril should be avoided in patients with impaired kidney function. Due to concerns regarding the ability of enalapril to lead to kidney damage, kidney parameters should be measured by blood test shortly after enalapril therapy has started, and periodically thereafter. Usually this is every 6 months unless your pet is having problems.
This medication should not be used in pregnancy or lactation.
Give this medication exactly as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes. Give it regularly every day even if your pet feels better. Do not stop giving this medication unless your pet’s veterinarian approves. If your pet’s veterinarian has also prescribed another medicine, give it regularly.
It is best if tablets can be given whole. However, tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Before your pet has any surgery, tell the veterinarian that your pet is taking this medication.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.