General Description: Amlodopine besylate is a calcium channel blocking agent used to manage high blood pressure in dogs and cats. This product may be given once a day (usually) with or without food. Your veterinarian will want to recheck your pet periodically to ensure this medication is achieving the desired result.
What is this drug?
Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Used to treat high blood pressure in cats (systolic blood pressure exceeding 160 mmHg)
Used to decrease blood pressure in dogs with chronic kidney disease
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Since the liver removes this drug from the system, patients with liver disease will have dosages monitored carefully
Breeding, pregnant or nursing pets
Used with caution in patients with a history of heart failure
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient
Directions:
Amlodipine besylate may be given with or without food.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenonce a day .
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
Call ahead for refills.
What if dose is missed?
Missing even one dose can lead to a significant rise in blood pressure, which could lead to other serious health issues. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store this medicine in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Some humans taking amlodipine besylate report headaches. In pets, it is difficult to tell if they may experience this side effect.
Loss of appetite, low blood pressure or rapid heart rate
Lethargy, weight loss
Gum swelling
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but it is used with care with other drugs that drop blood pressure: fentanyl, diuretics (furosemide), ACE inhibitors (enalapril), or beta-blockers (propranolol).
Use with care in dogs already taking drugs that thin the blood (warfarin, aspirin).
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, amlodipine besylate should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
It is likely that your veterinarian will periodically want to monitor your pet’s blood pressure and evaluate the cat’s retinas for signs of bleeding.
This is just a summary of information about amlodipine besylate. If you have any questions or concerns about amlodipine besylate or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
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