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Amlodipine

Prescription
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
5 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Blocks L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing systemic vasodilation and reducing afterload / blood pressure

At a glance

Class
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Systemic hypertension
Dose
0.05–0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
10 mg
Duration: Long-term
🐈

Cat

Systemic hypertension (CKD, hyperthyroidism)
Dose
0.625–2.5 mg/cat
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
2.5 mg
Duration: Long-term

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
2.5mg
Available in India
Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
10mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Severe aortic stenosis
    Afterload reduction dangerous with fixed outflow obstruction

Use with caution

  • Heart failure
    While afterload reduction is beneficial, excessive vasodilation can worsen hypotension
  • Concurrent beta-blockers
    Additive hypotension and bradycardia — monitor closely

Adverse effects

Common
Hypotension
Lethargy
Decreased appetite (initial)
Serious
Reflex tachycardia
Severe hypotension
Gingival hyperplasia (long-term)

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressure (target <160/100 mmHg in cats, <160/100 in dogs)Heart rateRenal functionFundoscopy (retinal changes)

Interactions

Moderate — 4

Atenolol
moderate
Additive antihypertensive effect; risk of excessive hypotension and bradycardia
Management: Common combination for feline hypertension/HCM. Start low, titrate slowly, monitor blood pressure.
Sildenafil
moderate
Additive vasodilation and hypotension; both lower blood pressure via different mechanisms
Management: Monitor blood pressure. May need to reduce amlodipine dose.
Prazosin
moderate
Additive hypotensive effect — both are vasodilators acting through different mechanisms
Management: Start prazosin at lowest dose if patient is on amlodipine. Monitor blood pressure closely.
Propranolol
moderate
DHP calcium channel blocker + non-selective beta-blocker: additive BP reduction. Less AV conduction risk than diltiazem+beta-blocker.
Management: Monitor BP and heart rate. Usually well-tolerated.

Minor — 1

Benazepril
minor
Complementary antihypertensive mechanisms. Standard combination for refractory feline hypertension.
Management: Well-established combination. Monitor BP and renal function.

Brands

International

Norvasc
Pfizer
Amodip
Ceva

India

Amlip
Cipla
Amlovas
Macleods

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Amlodipine?
Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used in pets. Blocks L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing systemic vasodilation and reducing afterload / blood pressure
›What is Amlodipine used for in pets?
Amlodipine is used in veterinary medicine for: Systemic hypertension; Systemic hypertension (CKD, hyperthyroidism).
›What is the Amlodipine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amlodipine is typically dosed as follows — Systemic hypertension: 0.05–0.3 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Amlodipine dose for cats?
For cats, Amlodipine is typically dosed as follows — Systemic hypertension (CKD, hyperthyroidism): 0.625–2.5 mg/cat PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Amlodipine?
Common: Hypotension, Lethargy, Decreased appetite (initial). Serious (call your vet immediately): Reflex tachycardia, Severe hypotension, Gingival hyperplasia (long-term).
›Does Amlodipine need a prescription?
Yes. Amlodipine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Amlodipine not be used?
Do not use Amlodipine if: Severe aortic stenosis.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →