Brand Name(s): Norvasc, Istin
Generic Name: Amlodipine Besylate
For: Dogs and Cats
What is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker and it is effectively used in veterinary medicine to treat hypertension in cats and dogs.
Amlodipine is used primarily for systemic hypertension in cats and to a lesser extent for heart failure and hypertension in dogs. It’s also administered to cats who are also suffering from kidney disease. Amlodipine besylate may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
Benefits:
- Treats high blood pressure in dogs and cats
- Relaxes the arterial muscles to help decrease blood pressure
- Very successful first-line treatment for systemic hypertension in Cats
- Amlodipine is well tolerated in both cats and dogs – and that means less side effects for your pets!
Cautions:
Notify your doctor if your pet has liver problems before administering this medication. Amlodipine should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals. If used in a dog, this medication may also cause the blood to take longer to clot.
How should this medication be given:
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. In general, it is recommended that Amlodipine be administered to patients with their food but always check with your veterinarian first. Do not stop giving amlodipine besylate. A missed dose can result in a sudden rise in blood pressure which can lead to blindness, kidney damage, seizures, or collapse. Store amlodipine besylate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose:
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don’t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet:
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of amlodipine besylate overdose include staggering due to dizziness, collapse, or slow heart rate.
What should I avoid while giving Amlodipine besylate to my pet:
Amlodipine besylate should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use amlodipine besylate with caution in animals with heart failure or liver disease. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or nursing females. Do not use in breeding males.
What are the possible side effects of Amlodipine besylate:
For dogs and cats, if any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving amlodipine besylate and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). In cats side effects are rare but may include drowsiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the gums, or rapid heart rate. In dogs, may also cause the blood to take longer to clot. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Amlodipine besylate:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), diuretics (furosemide, Salix), beta blockers (atenolol), and other blood pressure medications. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with amlodipine besylate. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.
