Enalapril
Generic Name
Enalapril
Indications/Uses
Enalapril, a generic equivalent to Enacard, is an often prescribed medication by veterinarians to treat cardiac diseases and blood pressure abnormalities in dogs and cats. The most common among the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Enalapril is quite effective as a vasolidator in the management of heart diseases, cardiomyopathy and also high blood pressure in the animal. Enalapril is the main component used in the drug. When used in the animal body, the medication helps in bringing the blood pressure to normal, thus easing down the function of blood vessels to carry blood to and from the heart. The medicine also restricts the formation of certain compounds and enzymes in the body, which reduces the possibility of heart failures in the animal. Most commonly, the veterinarian might advice the use of enalapril with certain other medications. Enalapril comes in tablet form and is a prescription drug that could only be obtained by the instruction from a veterinarian.
Precautions
The drug is not for use in animals that are allergic to the medicine. Use with caution or get the consent of a veterinarian before using Enalapril with any other non-prescribed medication. Certain animals might have issues with very low blood pressure when the medication is administered. Though in rare cases, the medication will have an adverse effect on the blood supply to kidney, causing kidney failure. Go in for timely check-ups as instructed by the veterinarian to help detect such faults. Medication overdose can be fatal.
Side Effects
Adverse reactions due to enalapril might include lowering of blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and in some cases kidney troubles.
Dosage Information
Adverse reactions due to enalapril might include lowering of blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and in some cases kidney troubles.
Brand Names
Enacard (Merial), Vasotec (Merck)