How Does Enalapril Work?

Enalapril’s primary purpose is to help the heart beat easier and more efficiently. It does this blocking a specific enzyme in the body that normally causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this enzyme, the blood vessels can remain relaxed so the pet’s blood pressure can decrease to allow the blood and oxygen to flow to the heart more effectively. Enalapril also helps to reduce fluid build-up in the lungs.

As a precautionary measure, your veterinarian may require your pet to undergo periodic kidney and liver tests while taking this medication.

Enalapril Precautions & Interactions

Enalapril should never be administered to a dog or cat that is pregnant as it has been shown to cause birth defects. It is also important to inform your veterinarian of all the medications your pet is currently on before administering Enalapril. The medication can cause an interaction with aspirin and other NSAIDS, potassium supplements and diuretics.

Possible Side Effects of Enalapril

Serious side effects that have been associated with Enalapril include frequent or non-existent urination, fainting, fever, chills, bleeding, rapid weight gain, bruising and swelling. Less severe side effects can include, but aren’t limited to diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, skin rash, dry mouth or problems sleeping. If your pet exhibits serious side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Enalapril can also cause an allergic reaction in some dogs and cats. Signs that your pet may be allergic include swelling of the lips, face or tongue, hives or difficulty breathing.

Administration of Enalapril

When your pet is prescribed Enalapril, it is very important that you follow the directions of your veterinarian and the recommended precautions provided by the compounding pharmacy. Never give your pet more than the prescribed dosage at a given time, even if you miss a dose. If you miss a dose, give a dose as soon as possible unless it is near the time for their next dose. If that is the case, skip the missed dose and re-start the program with the next dose.

When giving your pet Enalapril, always make sure they have plenty of water available to drink as they can get thirsty while taking this medication. This medication can be administered with or without food.

How to Store Enalapril

Your pet’s Enalapril prescription should be stored at room temperature and away from heat or moisture.

Ascorbic Acid is prescribed in veterinary medicine for the treatment of Vitamin C deficiency caused by liver disease and for certain toxicity syndromes, like acetaminophen toxicity. Other uses include treating feline immunodeficiency virus infections and as a preventative measure against the formation of struvite uroliths. It has also shown to be beneficial as a supportive measure in the treatment of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Possible Interactions & Precautions with Ascorbic Acid

For the most part, Ascorbic Acid is safe for animals; however, excessive use of the vitamin can cause the formation of calculi in the kidneys. Intestinal irritation and diarrhea can also occur with large doses and in very rare cases, anemia can develop.

Because Vitamin C is water soluble, it breaks down quickly in the body so toxicity is generally not a problem, but the vitamin can cause an interaction with other prescription medications such as cyclosporine, tetracycline, beta-blockers, loop diuretics, aspirin and acetaminophen and other acid-based medications. In addition, some animals have been found to be sensitive to Ascorbic Acid so if your pet acts differently when taking the vitamin, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Ascorbic Acid Dosage & Administration

Ascorbic acid is available for administration in various compounding formulations, including tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 100 mg, 1500 mg), capsules (500 mg), crystals (1000 mg per quarter teaspoon), powder (60 mg and 1060 mg per quarter teaspoon), solution (100 mg/mL), liquid (500 mg/mL) and by injection (500 mg/mL).

Typical dosages include:

For the treatment of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, dogs typically receive 250 mg, orally, twice a day.

For acetaminophen toxicity, the veterinary dosage is 15 mg per pound (30 mg/kg) injected under the skin or 10 mg per pound (20 mg/kg) given intravenously every six hours for seven treatments.

The duration of Ascorbic Acid administration ultimately depends on the condition being treated, the animal’s response to the medication and the evidence of any side effects. Once treatment is initiated, it’s important to complete the course of therapy unless instructed by your veterinarian.

Although Ascorbic Acid can be purchased over the counter, it’s extremely important to follow the dosage directions as indicated by your veterinarian. Different treatments require different dosage amounts.

How Does Amlodipine Work?

Amlodipine slows the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and blood vessel walls. This enables the blood vessels to relax, which ultimately results in better blood flow. The effects of Amlodipine also make it much easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, which lowers the pet’s blood pressure.

Administration of Amlodipine

When giving your cat or dog Amlodipine, it is important to follow the directions of your veterinarian. It is also very important that you not miss a dose as this can cause a sudden rise in the pet’s blood pressure. A sudden spike such as this can cause a pet to suffer seizures, kidney damage or blindness.

If you missed a dose, give your pet a dose immediately, or, if it is close in time to their next dose, use that dose to get back on schedule. Never give your pet 2 doses at the same time. In the case of an accidental overdose, please call your veterinarian immediately. Signs of overdose include a very slow heart rate, staggering, dizziness or collapse.

Possible Side Effects of Amlodipine

Side effects of Amlodipine are quite rare in veterinary medicine, but in some cases, the cat or dog may exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling of the gums or a slight increase in their heart rate. It they get a laceration, it may also take longer for it to clot.

If your pet exhibits an allergic reaction, call your veterinarian immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction to Amlodipine can include sudden onset diarrhea, swelling of the face, itching, vomiting, hives, pale gums, cold limbs or the symptoms of shock or coma.

Amlodipine Precautions

Amlodipine should not be administered to cats or dogs that have liver disease. Female pets that are pregnant or lactating should not be administered the medication. Male and female pets that are breeding should also not receive Amlodipine.

If your pet is already taking heart medication, diuretics, vitamin supplements, aspirin or other medications that can affect their blood pressure, please consult with your veterinarian before administering Amlodipine as interactions may occur.

In general, the compounding pharmacy will recommend that Amlodipine be administered to patients with their food. Treatment should be completed as directed by the prescribing veterinarian in order to successfully treat the pet’s high blood pressure.

Fluconazole in Veterinary Medicine

Although Fluconazole is also used to treat humans, it is a popular veterinary drug. Your veterinarian will decide which dosage will help your pet most. Taking large dosages of veterinary drugs can cause problems in animals just as in humans, so be sure to follow your vet’s directions carefully.

Methods of Ingesting Fluconazole

Fluconazole prescribed to animals is most commonly distributed in pill form, which can be obtained through a veterinary pharmacy. A powder version of the drug is also available but is not as commonly sold for veterinary uses. Pet owners who have difficulty getting their dogs, cats or other animals to take the pill form of Fluconazole should contact their veterinarian or veterinary pharmacy for more information.

Possible Side Effects of Fluconazole

As with all medications, animals being treated with Fluconazole can develop side effects of various severities. Pet owners giving their animals Fluconazole or any other veterinary drugs should pay close attention to signs of worsening skin rashes; anemia, which is evidenced by pale mucus membranes and gums; digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite; jaundice, which is evidenced by yellow skin, gums or whites of the eyes; lethargy and depression.

Some animals are more susceptible to these side effects than others. Some might also experience allergic reactions to this and similar veterinary drugs. Owners should therefore keep a close eye on their pets and contact their veterinarians immediately if their animals display any of these symptoms.

Obtaining Fluconazole for Your Pets

Pet owners can easily purchase Fluconazole by prescription from any veterinary pharmacy that carries a wide range of veterinary drugs.

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Medicine

Cyclosporine has a number of uses in veterinary medicine. The drug is commonly prescribed for dogs as an effective therapy for dry eye, or KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Additionally, Cyclosporine treats Atopic Dermatitis in dogs, an allergy condition in which the trigger is unknown.

Other conditions in which Cyclosporine is prescribed for use in veterinary medicine include feline asthma, colitis, perineal fistulas, hemolytic anemia and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a disease in which the red blood cells are under attack in the immune system. In some cases, cats

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Compounding

Due to its widespread use in animal health care, Cyclosporine is often altered through veterinary compounding to satisfy the treatment recommendations of the condition and the individual needs of each patient. For example, in the treatment of KCS, veterinary compounding pharmacies usually develop eye-drops to stop the breakdown of tear gland tissue. Cyclosporine can also be compounded orally to treat conditions such as hemolytic anemia and feline asthma.

Cyclosporine — Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

As with all medications, Cyclosporine may cause side effects for some patients of veterinary medicine. Common side effects usually subside after one week of treatment and include digestive issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. A number of patients may experience a loss of appetite.

Cyclosporine Precautions and Indications

Patients with compromised kidney function, liver disease, blood conditions and gastrointestinal ulcers should not be given Cyclosporine. The drug should also not be administered to pregnant or lactating patients.

In general, the designated veterinary medicine professional will recommend that Cyclosporine be administered to patients on an empty stomach. Treatment should be completed as directed by the animal health care specialist in order to successfully treat the condition at hand.

Diazepam and Veterinary Compounding

In veterinary medicine, diazepam is commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, reptiles, sheep, cattle, horses, goats and swine. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, veterinary compounding can alter the form of the drug for oral, intravenous, rectal or intramuscular administration.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam Uses for Dogs and Cats

Diazepam is commonly administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. It may be given alone or combined in veterinary compounding in order to pointedly address individual dosage needs.

Diazepam is also used in the treatment of behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying and terror caused by loud noises. When treating dogs for aggression, it is possible that diazepam can produce a reverse outcome, causing amplification rather than suppression of aggressive behaviors.

As an anticonvulsant, diazepam may be used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of seizures, whether due to toxic shock or status epilepticus. However, since dogs develop a tolerance rather quickly, diazepam is not typically selected for the continued management of seizures.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam and Horses

While not an analgesic, diazepam is commonly administered to sedate horses prior to surgical procedures. In adult horses, diazepam is often paired with another medication in to produce the necessary level of sedation.

Diazepam can also be administered to horses as an anticonvulsant, whether alone or as part of an amalgamation of other medications. It can also assist with breeding behaviors, particularly for withdrawn stallions.

Diazepam and Potential Side Effects

Common side effects may include impaired coordination and lethargy. Aggression, excitement or marked behavioral changes are unusual side effects. In addition, while a rarity, hepatic toxicity has also been reported in some cats.

Be sure to thoroughly discuss drug interactions and additional precautions with a specialist in veterinary medicine before using diazepam for treatment.

Benefits of Veterinary Compounding

Drug compounding is especially useful in veterinary medicine, as numerous medications are no longer offered directly through the manufacturer or are otherwise unavailable in the required drug mixture or dosage. With veterinary compounding, the specific medication requirements of each patient can be met accurately and successfully.

Formulating the proper strength or combination of a drug is only half of the battle. In veterinary medicine, patients often balk at distasteful medications, proving wholly uncooperative when the time comes to administer treatment. Veterinary compounding eases the treatment process by modifying the pharmaceutical potency or combination and improving the palatability of the medication in question.

Regulations for Veterinary Compounding

Drug compounding is an integral part of veterinary medicine and must comply with federal and state regulations. Among other mandates, veterinary compounding must be carried out by a certified veterinarian or licensed pet pharmacist under the order of a qualified practitioner of veterinary medicine. Additionally, the compounded medication must be a safe and appropriate course of treatment. The dosage must also correspond with the specific needs of the patient.

Diamondback Drugs offers a variety of treatment solutions and carries a widespread selection of medications, along with a comprehensive range of bases and flavors. Our expert staff of pharmacists and technicians has successfully completed extensive training in veterinary compounding and are fully equipped to fulfill the varying needs of prescribers and patients.

Tramadol may be administered in veterinary medicine to provide pain relief for animals suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer or arthritis. It can also be used for pain management following injury or surgery.

Veterinary Medicine — Tramadol and Canine Arthritis

In veterinary medicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used for pain management associated with canine arthritis. NSAIDs inhibit the production of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation. However, as cyclo-oxygenase also helps produce essential biochemicals, suppression of this enzyme can prove problematic in some patients.

Tramadol can provide the requisite pain relief for dogs suffering from chronic arthritis without the risk of developing kidney or liver problems associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In veterinary medicine, Tramadol may be used exclusively or in tandem with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Veterinary Medicine — Tramadol and Felines

Since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are dangerous for the feline species, Tramadol may provide a safer alternative and can be administered to cats in the treatment of pain.

Tramadol — Side Effects and Drug Interactions

In veterinary medicine, Tramadol is compatible with all cyclo-oxygenase interfering NSAIDs, as well as MSM, glucosamine and some other joint pain nutriceuticals. However, Tramadol should not be administered to animals taking L-Deprenyl, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Common side effects of Tramadol may include upset stomach, constipation, pupil constriction, decreased heart rate and coughing. Seizures, notable mental changes and pinpoint pupils may indicate overdose. In addition, since Tramadol is processed through the liver and kidneys, an adjustment of the dosage may be necessary for patients with associated problems.