Amlodipine


What is Amlodipine?Prescription pills

It is a vasodilator, meaning that this medication helps to “open up” or “relax” the arteries of the body, thus reducing the pressure the blood exerts against the wall of the blood vessel. It is classified as a vascular calcium channel blocker.

Uses/Indications

  • Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in both the dog and cat
  • Secondary therapy as a vasodilator in the treatment of congestive heart failure in the dog Can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

Adverse Effects

[please contact CVCA should any of these symptoms be noted]

  • Systemic hypotension (low blood pressure) resulting in lethargy, weakness, depression or decreased appetite
  • Gingival hyperplasia: an uncommon side effect that can result in the overgrowth of the gingival tissue in the mouth
  • Elevated heart rate

Client Information

  • Can be given with food
  • Can be given with other medications to treat heart disease when instructed by CVCA
  • Dosing is usually once or twice daily by mouth
  • Can be given in pill form or reformulated into a flavored liquid
  • Do not skip doses as blood pressure could quickly rise again
  • Blood pressure should be monitored after beginning the medication about 1 week, 1 month, then every 3-4 months thereafter to assure correct dosing

Interactions with Other Drugs

  • Increased risk for hypotension when combined with other drugs (Lasix/furosemide, ACEi such as enalapril, beta blockers such as atenolol)
  • The doctors at CVCA have taken this into account, however, please contact CVCA to discuss any concurrent medications your pet may be prescribed

Dosage Forms

  • Amlodipine oral tablets – 2.5mg,
    5mg, 10mg pill sizes
  • Name brand: Norvasc

Drug Handouts