Medication: Enalapril

Your dog has been prescribed enalapril for the treatment of a heart condition, high blood pressure, kidney disease and/or to assist with the management of diabetes.  

Key points:
• Dosage: once or twice daily as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Your veterinarian may have prescribed a human drug containing enalapril. Your veterinarian will explain the law relating to prescribing human drugs for use in animals. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name

• Enalapril (Ee-nal-ah-pril).

Brand name

• Enacard® 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets are approved in the US for dogs but are no longer commercially available. There are no licensed veterinary products containing enalapril.

Class of medication

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE Inhibitor).

Storage

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) protected from heat, light, and moisture.

Your veterinarian has prescribed enalapril for the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease and/or as part of the treatment for diabetes.

Enalapril is given orally (as tablets). It is administered once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated. Your veterinarian will advise as to dosing. Tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food.

Adverse effects may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, low blood pressure, cough, drinking more or less than usual, high temperature, swelling of limbs and tiredness. Likewise, it is hard to predict interactions with other drugs, but enalapril is typically used with other drugs, as part of a multi-drug treatment regimen. Speak to your veterinarian if you have any specific concerns.

Enalapril tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment may extend for the life of your pet.

Dispose of any unused enalapril safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save enalapril for future use or give to other pets.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally double dose your dog, call your veterinarian straight away.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Enalapril should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Your pet will need regular veterinary check-ups whilst on this medication. These may include blood tests and blood pressure checks.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on enalapril can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

• There are no veterinary products containing enalapril licensed for use in dogs in the UK or Europe.

USA

• Enacard® 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets are approved in the US for dogs but are no longer commercially available. Website: https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/views/#/home/previewsearch/141-015 

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.