CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr, Fear Free,
Medication: Amlodipine
Medication: Amlodipine
Your cat has been prescribed amlodipine for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Key points:
• Calcium channel blocker.
• Do not use in cats with severe aortic stenosis or cardiogenic shock.
• Extra care should be taken giving this medication if your cat has heart failure or liver disease.
• Do not use in pregnant animals.
• Dosage: once daily.
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, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Amlodipine besylate (AM-LO-dip-een Be-SIL-ate).
Brand name
- Norvasc® (US).
- Amodip® (UK, US).
- Lodisure (UK and Northern Ireland).
- Katerzia® (US) oral liquid (katerzia.com).
- Norliqva® (US) oral liquid (norliqva.com).
- Istin® (UK, US) oral tablets (www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1069/smpc).
Class of medication
- Calcium channel blocker.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
- Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Why has my cat been prescribed amlodipine?
Your veterinarian has prescribed amlodipine for the treatment of high blood pressure which can either be essential hypertension (with no obvious cause) or due to chronic kidney disease.
How is the medication given?
Amlodipine is given by mouth as tablets or liquid drops once or twice daily. Flavored tablets are available for cats which can be given with or without food.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The following side-effects have been reported:
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Lethargy.
- Poor appetite.
- Fluid build up in the tissues (edema).
- Abnormal growth of the gums.
Drug interactions can occur with:
- Drugs affecting liver function which may change the way your cat can process amlodipine.
- Other drugs given to lower blood pressure antihypertensives (eg diuretics, beta-blockers, inhibitors of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, other vasodilators and alpha-2 agonists).
- Drugs that affect ventricular heart function (eg beta-blockers and antifungal azoles).
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Amlodipine tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Treatment is started at a low dose for 2 weeks and then may be gradually increased over time, with continual monitoring of blood pressure to ensure effectiveness of treatment. The treatment course usually extends for many months or years. If no improvement is seen within a few months, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused amlodipine safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save amlodipine for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
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.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Amlodipine should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Do not use in pregnant or lactating cats.
- 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.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on amlodipine?
While your cat is taking amlodipine your veterinarian will want to make regular checks on their blood pressure to ensure the medication is being effective and to adjust the dose of amlodipine if necessary. Your veterinarian will also want to check blood samples for electrolytes (potassium and calcium).
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on amlodipine can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Only licensed for use in the cat in the UK and Europe.
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Amodip 2.5 mg chewable tablets for cats. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A008960
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Amodip 1.25 mg chewable tablets for cats. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A011334
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Lodisure 1 mg tablets for cats (Northern Ireland). Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A012051
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Lodisure 1 mg tablets for cats (UK). Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/product/A010517
USA
- No veterinary licensed product available but human formulations may be used off label.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.