Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Amodip is a medication containing the active ingredient Amlodipine. It is primarily used for long-term management of high blood pressure (hypertension) in pets. In cats, high blood pressure is often associated with chronic kidney disease and thyroid disease. For dogs, causes may include overactive adrenal glands, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and some types of tumours. While Amlodipine can be used alone, it is generally combined with other medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Classified as a calcium-channel blocker, Amlodipine aids in lowering blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering the smooth muscles of the heart and blood vessels. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, thus improving blood flow.
Veterinarians typically recommend administering Amlodipine with or without food, depending on your pet's specific needs and your vet’s advice. Giving the medication with food might reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Missed Dose:
If you miss giving a dose of Amlodipine to your pet, consult your veterinarian. They might advise giving the missed dose when remembered, or if it's close to the time for the next dose, to skip the missed one and continue with the regular schedule. Avoid giving extra or double doses.
Overdose Information:
Amlodipine overdose is serious and could be life-threatening. Symptoms may include extremely low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, low energy levels, high blood sugar, muscle tremors, or seizures. In such cases, immediately contact your veterinarian or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.
Do not use Amodip in pregnant or lactating cats. Caution is required in cats with hepatic disease as amlodipine is metabolised by the liver. Use of Amodip (amlodipine) alone for treating hypertension in cats with renal disease may expose glomeruli to higher pressures secondary to efferent arteriolar constriction. It is possible that use of ACE inhibitors alongside amlodipine may help prevent this occurrence.
Side effects in pets can include:
In rare cases, severe effects like heart rate changes, collapse, severe weakness, urinary changes, limb swelling, or abnormal bleeding may occur.
Amlodipine should be stored at a controlled room temperature below 25°C. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Is Amlodipine a diuretic?
Amlodipine is not a diuretic but a calcium-channel blocker. However, it may act as a mild diuretic for dogs when first administered.
How fast does Amlodipine work in dogs?
Amlodipine begins working within a few hours of ingestion in dogs, but it may take several days to stabilise blood pressure. Repeat visits and checkups with you vet may be required.
Can you crush Amlodipine for cats?
Consult your veterinarian before crushing Amlodipine, as it may have an unpleasant taste that could deter your cat from consuming the full dose.
We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Amodip for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.