Enalapril Maleate Tablets For Heart Failure in Dogs & Cats - 20 mg

ACE Inhibitor Tablets for Heart Failure in Large Dogs

Product Description

Enalapril Maleate 20mg is a prescription ACE inhibitor tablet used in large and giant breed dogs to manage congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. It targets a specific enzyme in the body that keeps blood vessels in a tightened state, and once that is interrupted, blood pressure drops and the heart works with less effort. It is FDA-approved for dogs and also used off-label in cats and other companion animals.

Benefits

• Convenient for Large Dogs: The 20mg strength covers the correct single-tablet dose for many large and giant breed dogs, removing the need for splitting multiple tablets.
• FDA-Approved for Heart Failure: Approved by the FDA for treating mild, moderate, and severe congestive heart failure in dogs at all stages of the condition.
• Supports Cardiomyopathy Management: Large breeds like Dobermans, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds benefit greatly from enalapril when managing dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Protects Kidney Function: Enalapril helps reduce protein leaking into the urine and eases pressure on the kidneys in dogs with renal disease.
• Part of Standard Heart Protocol: Vets frequently pair enalapril with furosemide as a core part of heart failure treatment backed by clinical studies in dogs.
• Non-Addictive for Long-Term Use: Enalapril carries no dependency risk, making it a practical choice for dogs needing ongoing heart or kidney support.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Enalapril Maleate

How to Use

Enalapril Maleate 20mg is a prescription-only medication. A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required to purchase this medicine.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment for your dog.

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.

Large dogs can sometimes be tricky to medicate, but a pill pocket or pill wrap makes the whole process much smoother for both of you. Simply tuck the tablet inside and offer it as a treat.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs

Additional Information

Precautions

• Never Stop Abruptly: Stopping enalapril suddenly can cause blood pressure to spike and heart failure symptoms to worsen rapidly in affected dogs.
• Caution with Kidney Disease: Dogs with existing kidney problems need close monitoring on enalapril, as it relies on the kidneys for clearance and can affect filtration values.
• Avoid Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Combining enalapril with spironolactone or potassium supplements without electrolyte monitoring raises the risk of dangerously high potassium levels.
• Avoid in Pregnancy: Enalapril must not be given to pregnant animals as it causes serious developmental harm to offspring at any stage of pregnancy.
• Known ACE Inhibitor Allergy: Any dog with a history of sensitivity to enalapril, benazepril, lisinopril, or similar ACE inhibitors should not be given this medication.
• Drug Interaction Risk: Before starting enalapril, tell your vet about every medication your dog is on, including NSAIDs, diuretics, and potassium supplements.

Possible Side Effects

• Vomiting and Digestive Upset: Stomach irritation is the most commonly reported side effect and can often be reduced by giving the tablet alongside a meal.
• Low Blood Pressure: Weakness, dizziness, or fainting are worth watching for, especially when treatment is first started or the dose is adjusted in large dogs.
• Elevated Kidney Values: BUN and creatinine levels may nudge upward when enalapril is first started; your vet will monitor these through periodic blood work.
• Elevated Potassium Levels: Potassium can build up in the body on this medication; dogs with kidney disease need their electrolytes checked regularly during treatment.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, fever, signs of infection, or sudden collapse need immediate emergency veterinary attention without any delay.

Storage Information

• Store at Room Temperature: Keep enalapril tablets sealed up and well away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve their quality over time.
• Protect from Moisture: Always keep the container tightly closed and away from humid environments to maintain the full effectiveness of the tablets.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store in a secure location that children and other animals in the household cannot access at any time.

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: What is enalapril maleate 20mg used for in large dogs?

Ans: Enalapril 20mg is prescribed for large and giant breed dogs managing congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. The 20mg strength suits bigger dogs well, as it delivers the right amount in a single tablet without needing to split or stack smaller ones.

Q2: Why are large breeds like Dobermans and Great Danes more prone to heart disease?

Ans: Large and giant breeds carry a higher genetic predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges over time. Doberman Pinschers have one of the highest documented rates of this condition. Enalapril helps by reducing the strain on the weakened heart and slowing disease progression when started early.

Q3: Can enalapril 20mg be used alongside pimobendan for dogs with advanced heart failure?

Ans: Yes, enalapril is regularly combined with pimobendan and furosemide as part of a three-drug heart failure protocol for dogs with advanced congestive heart failure. The two medications work through different mechanisms and complement each other well. Your vet will determine whether this combination suits your dog's specific condition and stage of disease.

Q4: Is enalapril maleate safe for pregnant or nursing dogs?

Ans: No, enalapril must not be given to pregnant dogs as it causes serious harm to developing offspring. It also passes through milk, making use during nursing unsafe as well. Always let your vet know your dog's reproductive status before starting or continuing any prescription heart medication.

Q5: What side effects should I watch for in my large dog on enalapril 20mg?

Ans: Keep an eye out for vomiting, weakness, fainting, or changes in how much your dog drinks and urinates. A mild rise in kidney values can also occur after starting treatment. Your vet will schedule routine blood checks to catch any of these changes before they become a bigger concern.