Pet Medication 101: Amlodipine

1. Drug Name:

Amlodipine

2. Common Name or Brand Name:

Norvasc

3. How Dispensed:

Prescription only

4. Forms:

Tablets 2.5mg, Tablets 5mg, Tablets 10mg

5. Drug Type/Class:

Calcium channel blocker

6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:

Amlodipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

7. How it works:

Amlodipine inhibits calcium from flowing across vascular smooth muscles and cardiac muscles. It is most effective in the vasodilation of peripheral arteries, making it an afterload reducer.

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdosage:

Since amlodipine has a slow onset of action, side effects are infrequent. However, azotemia (increases in certain nitrogenous compounds in the blood), hypokalemia (low potassium), weight loss, and fast heart rates have all been seen with this drug.

If used at high doses, bradycardia (slow heart rate) and profound hypotension (low blood pressure) have been reported.

9. Drug Interactions:

There are no significant drug interactions; however, using it with other drugs that decrease blood pressure could result in profound hypotension. Use with caution in combination with beta-blockers, other calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.

10. Cautionary Statements:

Amlodipine should be used cautiously in patients with congestive heart failure. It should be avoided in patients with liver disease, bradycardia, aortic stenosis, or hypotension. Due to fetotoxicity seen in laboratory animals, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Read more:

Causes and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Cats

Can dogs develop heart arrhythmias?

Your Pet’s Heart: A Guide to Understanding Heart Health in Dogs and Cats

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