Enalapril Furosemide Oral Oil Suspension

Enalapril / Furosemide Oral Oil Suspension
Prescribed For: Dogs and Cats

One of the dosage forms available for Enalapril / Furosemide is Oral Oil Suspension. Wedgewood Pharmacy’s oral suspensions and solutions are a familiar and convenient dosage form. Oral suspensions and solutions can be administered directly into the mouth using a dosing syringe or mixed with a small amount of food. They offer a wide range of flavoring options, and flexible dosing adjustments.

1 strength combination of Enalapril / Furosemide Oral Oil Suspension is available.

• Enalapril Maleate 3 mg/ml
• Furosemide 18 mg/ml

General Drug Information and Indications

Enalapril is a drug that is used in dogs and cats with heart and or kidney problems. Enalapril causes small blood vessels to relax (vasodilation). This makes it easier for blood to circulate, which then decreases blood pressure and decreases the work load on the heart. Enalapril is frequently used with other heart medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers. Enalapril is also used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs.

Enalapril is FDA approved for use in dogs, but not in cats or other companion animals. When the appropriate form or dose of this drug is not available through a veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer, it may be compounded by a specialty pharmacy.

Give this medication to your pet exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. If you miss giving your pet a dose of enalapril, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.

Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication.

FUROSEMIDE FOR DOGS AND CATS

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General Drug Information and Indications

Furosemide is the most commonly used diuretic in veterinary medicine. It is used in dogs and cats as a part of the medical management of congestive heart failure, and other conditions where the body is retaining too much fluid. It is similarly used in horses to treat fluid retention or edema, and to possibly diminish exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage in racehorses. Diuretics act upon the kidneys, causing increased excretion of both electrolytes and fluids.

Furosemide is used intravenously in emergency settings and orally for longer term maintenance. The diuretic effects of furosemide take place within minutes after intravenous injection, with a peak effect at about thirty minutes. Onset of action after oral administration is about an hour. Furosemide is not recommended for the treatment of most kidney disease. Although it may cause a transient increase in blood flow to the kidneys, it does not improve kidney function and may put the animal at increased risk for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Diuretics will do little to relieve fluid accumulation and edema caused by low blood protein or vasculitis and may even worsen the animal's overall condition.

Potent diuretics like furosemide should always be used with appropriate monitoring, as they can produce dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Animals that are eating and drinking well can usually replace fluids and correct electrolyte imbalances within 24 hours. Furosemide is FDA approved for use in dogs, cats, and horses. When the appropriate form or dose of this drug is not available through a veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer, it may be compounded by a specialty pharmacy.

Side Effects

Be sure to discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately.

The most common side effects are low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness and stomach upset.

Less common side effects include kidney damage and changes in blood potassium levels.

Precautions

Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Enalapril is a prescription drug and should be used according to your veterinarian's directions. It should only be given to the animal for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to a person.

Pets receiving enalapril will need regular monitoring, including blood chemistry, kidney function and blood pressure.

Although enalapril is used to treat some forms of chronic kidney failure, there are instances in both dogs and cats where enalapril therapy has worsened the underlying kidney problems.

Enalapril is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Animals with decreased kidney function will need additional monitoring.

Enalapril may change the insulin requirements in diabetic animals. It is likely that a diabetic pet will need additional monitoring.

Enalapril is metabolized to the active form in the liver. Pets with decreased liver function may not be able to adequately utilize this drug.

Enalapril should be avoided in pregnant or lactating animals.

Drug Interactions

Be sure to review with your veterinarian any medications or supplements your pet may be receiving. Pets receiving enalapril may be on multiple medications because of the severity of their health problems. Careful monitoring and adjustment of drug doses and therapies may be necessary to achieve the right balance.

Diuretics, such as furosemide or spironolactone, and other vasodilators drugs may increase the incidence of low blood pressure or change blood potassium levels.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, should be avoided in animals on enalapril because of increased risk of kidney damage.

Overdose

If you suspect your pet or another animal was overdosed accidentally or has eaten this medication inadvertently, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.'s Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Always bring the prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment.

If you or someone else has accidentally ingested this medication call the National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222.

Storage

Different strengths or dosage forms of enalapril maleate may have different storage requirements. Read the labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the prescription you receive.