Home/Medicines/Amlodipine

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

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

Frequency

SID

Max dose

10 mg

Duration: Long-term

🐈

Cat

Systemic hypertension (CKD, hyperthyroidism)

Dose

0.625–2.5 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

2.5 mg

Duration: Long-term

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 →

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)

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database