Amlodipine Besylate Tablets, 2.5mg

Blood Pressure Tablets for Hypertension in Cats and Dogs

Product Description

Amlodipine Besylate 2.5mg Tablets are a prescription calcium channel blocker that veterinarians use to manage high blood pressure in cats and very small dogs. It eases pressure inside the blood vessels by stopping calcium from tightening the arterial walls, which gives the kidneys, eyes, and brain much-needed relief from the strain of elevated blood pressure. The 2.5mg strength is the smallest tablet available and is the most common starting dose for cats, particularly those also dealing with chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Benefits

• Standard Feline Starting Dose: The 2.5mg strength is the most widely used starting dose for cats diagnosed with systemic hypertension in veterinary practice.
• Hypertension-Related Organ Protection: Lowers blood pressure in cats with chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or primary hypertension to reduce damage to the kidneys, eyes, and brain.
• Retinal Detachment Prevention: Controlling high blood pressure with amlodipine reduces the risk of hypertension-induced retinal detachment and sudden blindness in cats.
• Minimal Cardiac Depression: Acts selectively on peripheral arteries with minimal negative effect on heart muscle contraction, preserving cardiac function during treatment.
• Once-Daily Feline Convenience: A single small tablet given once daily maintains consistent 24-hour blood pressure control, simplifying ongoing management for cat owners.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Amlodipine Besylate

How to Use

Amlodipine Besylate 2.5mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking it inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat is one of the easiest ways to make the whole process stress-free.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Never Miss a Dose: Missing even a single dose can trigger a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure that may cause blindness, seizures, or kidney injury in cats.
• Avoid in Liver Disease: Do not use in pets with significant hepatic disease, as amlodipine is processed by the liver and may accumulate to unsafe levels.
• Not for Pregnant or Breeding Pets: Do not give to pregnant, nursing, or breeding animals due to potential reproductive risks.
• Caution in Cardiac Shock: Use very carefully in pets with cardiac shock or decompensated heart failure, as amlodipine may further reduce cardiac output.
• Regular Monitoring Required: Blood pressure checks, eye examinations, and kidney and potassium testing are needed regularly throughout treatment.
• Check for Drug Interactions: Let your veterinarian know if your pet is currently on diuretics, beta-blockers, or other blood pressure medications before starting amlodipine.

Possible Side Effects

• Gum Overgrowth in Cats: Some cats develop gingival hyperplasia during long-term amlodipine treatment, which typically resolves after the medication is stopped.
• Reduced Appetite: Loss of appetite is the most commonly reported side effect in cats and dogs starting amlodipine treatment.
• Low Blood Pressure Signs: Weakness, depression, or fainting may indicate the dose is too high and requires prompt veterinary evaluation right away.
• Slower Blood Clotting in Dogs: Some dogs on amlodipine may take longer than normal for blood to clot following injury; let your vet know if surgery is planned.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Hives, facial swelling, vomiting, or collapse indicate a serious reaction requiring immediate emergency veterinary care.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Tablets should be kept in a well-sealed container at room temperature, protected from excess heat and humidity at all times.
• Keep Container Sealed: Always replace the lid firmly after each use to protect tablets from humidity and light exposure between doses.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store the medication safely away from children and other pets not currently being treated with it.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is amlodipine 2.5mg the standard starting dose for cats with high blood pressure?

Ans: Since 2.5mg is the smallest tablet strength on the market, it gives vets a sensible place to begin without risking an overcorrection in blood pressure. It also leaves room to move the dose up if needed after seeing how the cat responds. Most vets will bring your cat back in shortly after starting to see how things are going.

Q2: What common feline conditions most frequently require amlodipine 2.5mg?

Ans: Cats dealing with kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, or idiopathic hypertension are the ones vets most frequently put on amlodipine. Without treatment, persistently high blood pressure quietly chips away at the kidneys, eyes, and brain before any obvious signs show up. Starting treatment early gives your cat a much stronger chance of avoiding those complications down the line.

Q3: How quickly does amlodipine 2.5mg lower blood pressure in cats?

Ans: Blood pressure typically begins to respond fairly soon after the first dose, but it usually takes a week or two of consistent use before things really stabilise. Since there are no obvious signs to look out for at home, your vet will bring your cat in for a recheck to confirm the medication is doing its job properly.

Q4: Can amlodipine cause gum changes in cats during long-term use?

Ans: Some cats on amlodipine for an extended period start showing gum overgrowth, though it does not happen often. Most of the time it settles down once the dose is lowered or the medication is switched out. If you spot anything unusual around your cat's gums, your vet is the right person to loop in.

Q5: What happens if a cat on amlodipine develops gum overgrowth?

Ans: Gum overgrowth is an uncommon but known side effect of long-term amlodipine use in cats. It tends to improve once the medication is stopped or the dose is brought down. If you notice any changes around your cat's gums, get in touch with your vet to talk through whether a dose adjustment or medication change makes sense.