Enalapril Maleate (Generic) Oral Suspension (Compounded) for Pets

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Enalapril?

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which can be used to treat high blood pressure, dilate the veins, and lower fluid retention in heart failure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and over time, the heart and arteries can become damaged and not work properly. This can lead to damage or malfunction of the brain, heart, and kidneys. Your veterinarian may prescribe this medicine for other conditions

How do I give Enalapril?

First, READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

Give Enalapril to your pet as directed by your veterinarian.

If Enalapril is prescribed as a liquid measure the dose carefully.

Give your pet this medicine on an empty stomach unless otherwise prescribed by your veterinarian.

Try to give this medication at the same time 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.

DO NOT stop giving Enalapril to your pet without consulting your veterinarian first. 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 Enalapril?

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 Enalapril?

Your pet may experience some stomach upset including lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea persists or is severe.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet is extremely tired or appears dizzy or uncoordinated.

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 you are giving to 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.

The following drugs may interact with Enalapril: indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, potassium supplements, digoxin, diuretics, and other vasodilators.

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

Rx Item: Enalapril Suspension require a prescription authorization from a licensed United States veterinarian.  We are required to obtain the authorization from your veterinarian before we can provide Enalapril for your pet.  It is suggested that you contact your veterinarian regarding their prescription authorization policies.  In most cases, pets should have visited their veterinarian recently, although, your clinic's policies may vary.  

Enalapril maleate (Generic) Oral Suspension (Compounded) for Dogs and Cats (Rx)

This drug is a medication that is used in dogs and cats to dilate blood vessels which helps the heart to work more efficiently. Enalapril maleate is available in the form of tablets.

• An angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor
• Given by mouth

• To treat heart failure
• To treat high blood pressure

• Animals with liver disease
• Animals with blood disorders
• Animals with certain kidney disease
• Animals with certain vascular disease
• Animals that are dehydrated
• Animals that may be pregnant or nursing
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Baseline blood work is recommended to assess your pet's general health before starting this medication.

Periodic blood work, chest radiographs, and urinalysis may be recommended to monitor enalapril maleate's effects on the body as long term therapy is often necessary. Dose adjustments may be made based upon these results and an assessment of how your dog or cats is responding clinically.

It is important that your pet does not become dehydrated while taking this medication, ensure that they have access to fresh water at all times.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.

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 your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the 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 medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Enalapril maleate should be stored in a 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.

Consult with your veterinarian if you switch between different brands of enalapril maleate as monitoring your pet's condition may be required during this transition.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

• This medication can affect the gastrointestinal system causing decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss
• This medication can affect the kidneys causing increases in thirst and urination
• This medication can affect the levels of potassium in the blood causing a slow heart rate and weakness
• This medication can cause low blood pressure causing lethargy and weakness
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving enalapril maleate in conjunction with: digoxin, diuretics (ex. furosemide, spironolactone), nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (ex. acetaminophen, deracoxib, carprofen, ibuprofen, meloxicam), and potassium supplements
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with enalapril maleate
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives 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, enalapril maleate 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.