Amlodipine Compounded Soft Chews for Dogs

Description

Amlodipine Compounded Soft Chews are a prescription medication prepared specifically for an individual dog according to a veterinarian's directions. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used in veterinary medicine to help manage systemic hypertension, or high blood pressure, in dogs.

Persistent high blood pressure can contribute to damage involving the kidneys, eyes, cardiovascular system, and other organs. Amlodipine lowers systemic blood pressure by producing arterial vasodilation, helping decrease resistance to blood flow.

The compounded soft chew dosage form provides an alternative to conventional tablets and allows the medication strength to be customized according to the veterinarian's prescription. 

Uses & Benefits

• Helps manage systemic hypertension in dogs
• Helps lower elevated systemic blood pressure
• Produces arterial vasodilation
• Helps decrease resistance to blood flow
• May be incorporated into treatment plans for dogs with moderate to severe systemic hypertension
• May be combined with other antihypertensive medications when directed by a veterinarian
• Compounded formulation allows individualized veterinary dosing
• Soft chew dosage form can simplify administration for some dogs
• Useful for dogs that are difficult to medicate with conventional tablets
• Prepared according to the veterinarian's prescribed strength

How It Works

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that primarily affects calcium channels in the smooth muscle of small arteries.

By inhibiting calcium movement into vascular smooth muscle cells, amlodipine causes arterial blood vessels to relax and dilate. This decreases systemic vascular resistance, allowing blood to flow more easily and helping lower blood pressure.

In dogs, amlodipine may be used to manage systemic hypertension. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of hypertension, a veterinarian may use amlodipine alone or in combination with other medications.

Indications

For veterinarian-directed use in dogs requiring management of systemic hypertension.

• High blood pressure / Systemic hypertension / Canine hypertension / Blood pressure management / Moderate to severe hypertension

Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment so the veterinarian can evaluate response and adjust therapy when necessary.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Amlodipine, compounded to the strength prescribed by the veterinarian

Inactive Ingredients:

• Refer to pharmacy label for complete inactive ingredient information.

Directions

Administer orally exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Give the prescribed amount according to the veterinarian's directions. The strength and dosing schedule are individualized for the dog based on the veterinary prescription.

Blood pressure should be monitored as recommended by the veterinarian because the dosage may require adjustment based on the dog's response to therapy. Amlodipine should generally be started at a lower dosage and titrated to an effective clinical endpoint while monitoring for hypotension.

Weight / Dosage

Dosage is determined by the veterinarian according to the dog's body weight, blood pressure, underlying condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications.

Veterinary references provide the following general dosage ranges for dogs:

• 0.1–0.2 mg/kg orally every 12 hours, or
• 0.2–0.4 mg/kg orally every 24 hours

Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow all dosing and administration instructions provided on the prescription label and by your veterinarian. Do not adjust the dose, frequency, route, or duration of administration unless directed by your veterinarian.

Cautions

• For animal use only.
• For use in dogs.
• Federal law restricts this medication to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• Use only for the animal for which the medication was prescribed.
• Administer exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
• Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment.
• Excessive blood pressure reduction may result in hypotension.
• Lower doses may be necessary when amlodipine is combined with other medications that cause arterial dilation.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog receives.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects associated with amlodipine may include:

• Low blood pressure / Weakness or lethargy / Gastrointestinal upset / Gingival hyperplasia or gum overgrowth

Adverse effects are generally associated with hypotension and are uncommon when the dosage is gradually adjusted. Gingival hyperplasia has been reported in dogs receiving amlodipine.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops significant weakness, collapse, unusual lethargy, changes in appetite, gum overgrowth, or another unexpected or concerning reaction.

Precautions

• Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian
• Monitor blood pressure regularly as recommended by the veterinarian
• Begin treatment and adjust dosage according to veterinary direction
• Monitor for signs of excessive blood pressure reduction
• Use cautiously when combined with other vasodilators or antihypertensive medications
• Concurrent use with ACE inhibitors or other vasodilators may increase the risk of hypotension
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the dog receives
• Use in dogs with heart disease should be carefully monitored by a veterinarian
• Consult your veterinarian regarding use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing dogs
• Do not change the prescribed strength, dose, or frequency without veterinary direction

Storage

Store according to the pharmacy label in the original packaging. Protect from excessive heat and moisture and keep securely out of reach of children and animals. Refer to the pharmacy label for complete storage requirements.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired compounded medication according to your veterinarian's, pharmacist's, or local medication disposal recommendations. Do not give leftover medication to another animal. Keep discarded medication where children and animals cannot access it.