Enalapril
Enalapril is used in veterinary medicine for adjunctive congestive heart failure treatment.
Group
ACE inhibitor
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone activity.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure or proteinuria | 0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12–24 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy |
| Heart failure or proteinuria — Initial | 0.25 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy; Alternative cautious start in mild disease; reassess before increasing. |
| Ureterolithiasis adjunct | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12–24 h | Potential antifibrotic adjunct; the additional source explicitly describes dogs. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure or proteinuria | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 12–24 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy |
| Heart failure or proteinuria | 1–1.25 mg/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Do not use in: Pregnancy; Alternative fixed-dose regimen. |
Ferret
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure — Initial | 0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 48 h | May increase to daily if tolerated. |
| Dilated cardiomyopathy | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24–48 h |
Bird
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure | 1.25 mg/kg | PO | Every 8–12 h | |
| Heart failure | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24–48 h | Adjunct to furosemide. |
Indications
- Adjunctive congestive heart failure treatment
- Proteinuric nephropathy
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Use cautiously with dehydration, hypotension or renal dysfunction.
Interactions
- Other hypotensive drugs and diuretics can amplify effects.
- NSAIDs can impair renal tolerance.
Adverse effects
- Azotemia and hypotension
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enalapril 1 mg | Tablet | 1 mg / tablet | PO |
| Enalapril 2.5 mg | Tablet | 2.5 mg / tablet | PO |
| Enalapril 5 mg | Tablet | 5 mg / tablet | PO |
| Enalapril 10 mg | Tablet | 10 mg / tablet | PO |
| Enalapril 20 mg | Tablet | 20 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Check renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure 3–7 days after starting and periodically thereafter.
Feline hypertension often requires a more effective primary agent; long-term survival benefit for renal disease is uncertain.