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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

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

Frequency

SID-BID

Max dose

20 mg/dose; 40 mg/day

Duration: Lifelong

Proteinuria / glomerulonephritis

Dose

0.25–0.5 mg/kg

Route

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

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

Frequency

SID

Max dose

2.5 mg

Duration: Long-term with renal monitoring

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 — 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

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 4

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.

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.

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.

Educational reference only

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.

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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Angiotensin-converting enzyme).

Benazepril

Inhibits ACE, reducing angiotensin II production, lowering blood pressure and reducing proteinuria

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