Amlodipine Besylate (Compounded) Capsules for Pets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Amlodipine Besylate (Compounded) Capsules?

Amlodipine Besylate is a calcium channel-blocking agent prescribed to treat high blood pressure in cats. Veterinarians also prescribe this medicine to lower blood pressure in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

How do I give Amlodipine Besylate (Compounded) Capsules?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Give Amlodipine Besylate to your pet as directed by your veterinarian.

If Amlodipine Besylate is prescribed as a liquid, measure the dose carefully.

This medicine may be given with food.

Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed.

DO NOT give your pet medicine more often than prescribed.

Try not to miss giving any doses because symptoms may redevelop quickly.

DO NOT stop giving your pet Amlodipine Besylate unless directed by your veterinarian. Plan ahead to ensure you have the refills you need.

If I miss a dose, what do I do?

If you miss a dose, give it to your pet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, then continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store Amlodipine Besylate (Compounded) Capsules?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a dry, cool place. Keep this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight.

Do not store this medicine in damp places, in the bathroom, or near the kitchen sink. This medication can break down when exposed to moisture or heat.

What are the potential side effects of Amlodipine Besylate (Compounded) Capsules?

This medicine appears to have minimal adverse effects. However, your pet may experience loss of appetite, low blood pressure and/or weight loss.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What about possible drug interactions?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications or supplements you are giving your pet.

It’s not uncommon for your veterinarian to prescribe two different medications, which may cause a drug interaction to occur. If this happens, your veterinarian may change the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

Amlodipine Besylate may cause abnormally low blood pressure and may interact with the following medicines: diuretics, beta-blockers, other vasodilators, or other agents that may reduce blood pressure.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Amlodipine Besylate is compounded into mg size capsules not found commercially.

 Beyond Use Date:

It is recommended the capsules be used within 6 months.  Do not keep medication beyond the use date.

2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg amlodipine besylate tablets can be found on amlodipine product page

Amlodipine Besylate (Generic) Capsules (Compounded) for Dogs and Cats (Rx)

Trade Names:

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.

• Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker
• Given by mouth

• 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

• 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

Amlodipine besylate may be given with or without food.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually given once 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.

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

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.