Amplodipine besylate is a prescripion medication used to treat hypertension in both humans and dogs. Despite its effectiveness at reducing blood pressure levels, amlodipine poses a risk for side effects in some dogs.
-
Identification
-
The most common side of effect of amlodipine is hypotension or low blood pressure. This has the potential to cause depression, weakness and fainting.
Features
-
Because of the potential for hypotension, your veterinarian is likely to check your dog's blood pressure periodically to ensure that it is not receiving too much medication.
Drug Interactions
-
When taken with other drugs that lower blood pressure levels like diuretics, there is an increased risk for hypotension from amlodipine, cautions PetPlace.com.
Risks
-
Infrequently, use of amlodipine causes a reduction in the contractions of a dog's heart, which can be dangerous and affect your dog's circulation, according to PetPlace.com. Loss of appetite and weight loss are additional risks of amlodipine.
Warning
-
If you miss a dose of amlodipine, your dog may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure that has the potential to cause blindness, kidney damage, seizures and collapsing, reports Doctors Foster and Smith. To avoid this, be careful not to run out of amlodipine at any time.
-