Overview

Amlodipine Tablet 0.625mg is a veterinary-use calcium channel blocker prescribed primarily for the management of systemic hypertension in cats and small dogs. This low-dose formulation is ideal for precise dosing in small animals, especially cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, or other conditions that predispose them to high blood pressure. It is used off-label under veterinary supervision and plays a critical role in protecting organs from hypertensive damage.

✅ Key Benefits / Features

• Effectively lowers systemic blood pressure in cats and dogs
• Helps prevent complications such as hypertensive retinopathy and proteinuria
• Supports renal and cardiovascular health
• Low-dose tablet allows for accurate administration in small animals
• Can be used in combination with other antihypertensive agents

🧪 Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Amlodipine Besylate – equivalent to 0.625mg of Amlodipine
• Inactive Ingredients: May include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and other pharmaceutical excipients (varies by manufacturer)

📊 Nutritional Composition / Active Ingredients

💊 Uses / Indications

• Cats: Treatment of systemic hypertension, especially secondary to CKD, hyperthyroidism, or hyperadrenocorticism. Also used to reduce proteinuria and prevent hypertensive retinopathy.
• Dogs: Adjunctive treatment for systemic hypertension, often secondary to renal disease or endocrine disorders. May be used in refractory heart failure to reduce afterload.

🐾 Feeding Instructions / Dosage

• Cats: Typical starting dose is 0.625–1.25 mg per cat orally once daily. Adjust based on blood pressure response.
• Dogs: Initial dose ranges from 0.05–0.1 mg/kg orally every 12–24 hours. May be titrated up to 0.5 mg/kg/day.
• Administration: Can be given with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, administer with meals. Tablets may be compounded or split for accurate dosing in small pets.
• Monitoring: Blood pressure should be reassessed 3–7 days after initiation or dose adjustment.

⚠️ Possible Side Effects

• Mild: Lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea
• Moderate: Hypotension, reflex tachycardia, gingival hyperplasia (especially in dogs)
• Rare: Peripheral edema, bradycardia, azotemia, weight loss in cats

🔄 Drug & Food Interactions

• May interact with:
  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril)
  • Diuretics
  • Beta-blockers
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., azole antifungals, diltiazem)
• Combining with ACE inhibitors may reduce activation of RAAS and improve renal outcomes.
• Always inform your veterinarian of all medications and supplements your pet is receiving.

⚠️ Precautions

• Use cautiously in pets with:
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Documented hypotension
• Not recommended for pregnant or lactating animals due to lack of safety data.
• Amlodipine is metabolized hepatically; dose adjustments may be necessary in liver disease.
• Do not discontinue abruptly; missing doses may cause rebound hypertension.
• Store in a cool, dry place and keep out of reach of children.