Enalapril
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Enalapril during a consultation by Dr Noor. Enalapril for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
- Enalapril is given to help manage heart failure, high blood pressure, and certain types of kidney disease.
- You can give this medicine either with food or on an empty stomach.
- Make sure your pet can always reach clean, fresh water.
- While your pet is taking this medicine, your veterinarian will need to do check-ups that include blood tests and blood pressure measurements.
- Side effects that are often seen include eating less, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking more, peeing more, and acting tired or low-energy.
- Call your veterinarian if you see gums that look pale or feel dry, very low energy, or weakness.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (a type of medicine that blocks a body process called “ACE”).
- It comes as tablets and as liquids you give by mouth.
Other common names
Enacard, Vasotec
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Treating heart failure in dogs
At your veterinarian’s judgment, this medicine may also be used in other animals or for other purposes (extra-label use), including:
- Heart failure in other species
- High protein in the urine (proteinuria) in dogs and cats
- High blood pressure in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your pet is taking now
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to other ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril
- That are pregnant
- That have certain heart problems, such as aortic stenosis or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Use with caution in animals:
- That are dehydrated
- That have low blood pressure
- That have kidney, liver, or blood problems
- That have certain immune-system diseases such as lupus
- That have low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules and requirements while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
- Give exactly what your veterinarian prescribed. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your pet gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
- Keep plenty of fresh drinking water available for your pet.
- If you are giving a liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects of Enalapril for pets
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Eating less
- Drinking more and peeing more
- Low energy. This usually improves as time goes on.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Not eating at all, especially in cats
- Weakness, collapsing, fever, or a rash
- Very low energy, weakness, or gums that are dry or pale. These can be signs of dehydration or low blood pressure.
- Cough. In people, a dry cough that does not go away is common, but in animals this is uncommon.
How will I know it's working?
- You will not be able to directly see what this medicine is doing.
- Your veterinarian will need to do follow-up testing to check how well it is working.
How long will the medication effects last?
- After the last dose, the medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
- If your pet’s kidneys or liver do not work as well, the effects may last longer.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used for life. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. Refill the prescription on time so treatment is not interrupted.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Then keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep tablets in their original container at room temperature.
- Keep liquid forms in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- If a liquid form is kept at room temperature, throw it away after 60 days.
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions? Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”