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Enalapril

Prescription
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
5 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Inhibits ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; reduces aldosterone secretion, preload, afterload, and cardiac remodelling

At a glance

Class
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Congestive heart failure (adjunct)
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID-BID
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: Lifelong
Proteinuria / glomerulonephritis
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID-BID
Max dose
20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day
Duration: Long-term with renal monitoring
🐈

Cat

Congestive heart failure (adjunct)
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID-BID
Max dose
2.5 mg/dose; 5 mg/day
Duration: Long-term
Proteinuria (CKD)
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
2.5 mg
Duration: Long-term with renal monitoring

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 4

Strength
2.5mg
Available in India
Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
10mg
Available in India
Strength
20mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Bilateral renal artery stenosis
    ACE inhibitors can precipitate acute renal failure
  • Severe aortic/mitral stenosis
    Afterload reduction dangerous with fixed obstruction

Use with caution

  • Dehydration/hypovolaemia
    Risk of hypotension — correct fluid status first
  • Concurrent potassium-sparing diuretics
    Risk of hyperkalaemia — monitor K+

Adverse effects

Common
Hypotension
Mild azotaemia (usually transient)
Serious
Acute renal failure (dehydrated patients)
Hyperkalaemia
Angioedema (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Renal function (BUN, Creatinine, K+) at 3-5 days post-initiation, then every 3-6 monthsBlood pressureUPC ratio for proteinuria

Interactions

Moderate — 4

Furosemide
moderate
ACE inhibitors + loop diuretics can cause excessive hypotension and prerenal azotaemia
Management: Standard cardiac combination but start ACE inhibitor at low dose. Monitor renal values and blood pressure.
Meloxicam
moderate
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow, potentially blunting ACE inhibitor efficacy and increasing nephrotoxicity risk
Management: Monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine) closely. Ensure adequate hydration.
Spironolactone
moderate
Dual RAAS blockade with additive potassium retention. Clinically used in heart failure but requires monitoring.
Management: Standard heart failure combination — monitor potassium at 3-5 days and regularly thereafter. Avoid concurrent potassium supplementation.
Potassium Citrate
moderate
ACE inhibitor potassium retention + exogenous potassium: additive hyperkalemia risk.
Management: Monitor serum potassium closely.

Minor — 1

Methimazole
minor
No direct interaction; however both can affect renal perfusion. Commonly co-prescribed in hyperthyroid cats with concurrent renal disease.
Management: Monitor renal values closely when initiating methimazole, as correcting hyperthyroidism may unmask CKD.

Brands

International

Enacard
Boehringer Ingelheim
Vasotec
Merck

India

Envas
Cadila
Enam
Dr. Reddy's

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Enalapril?
Enalapril is a angiotensin-converting enzyme (ace) inhibitor used in pets. Inhibits ACE, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; reduces aldosterone secretion, preload, afterload, and cardiac remodelling
›What is Enalapril used for in pets?
Enalapril is used in veterinary medicine for: Congestive heart failure (adjunct); Proteinuria / glomerulonephritis; Proteinuria (CKD).
›What is the Enalapril dose for dogs?
For dogs, Enalapril is typically dosed as follows — Congestive heart failure (adjunct): 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID-BID; Proteinuria / glomerulonephritis: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID-BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Enalapril dose for cats?
For cats, Enalapril is typically dosed as follows — Congestive heart failure (adjunct): 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID-BID; Proteinuria (CKD): 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Enalapril?
Common: Hypotension, Mild azotaemia (usually transient). Serious (call your vet immediately): Acute renal failure (dehydrated patients), Hyperkalaemia, Angioedema (rare).
›Does Enalapril need a prescription?
Yes. Enalapril is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Enalapril not be used?
Do not use Enalapril if: Bilateral renal artery stenosis; Severe aortic/mitral 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 →

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