Cat & Dog - Drugs used to treat Heart Conditions

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Many different drugs are used to treat heart conditions in dogs and cats. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe more than one medication. Some of these medications are not available as veterinary preparations. Your veterinary surgeon may ask you to sign a consent form so a preparation licensed for humans can be used to treat your pet.

Cardiac drugs are used to correct irregular heartbeat, to treat high blood pressure and enlarged heart (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), and to decrease the heart rate. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder. If this continues, the heart and arteries may get damaged and not function correctly. If the heart does not work properly, the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys could also be damaged. Cardiac drugs decrease the heart’s need for blood and oxygen and therefore reduce the amount of work the heart must do or they help the heart beat more regularly.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day and try not to miss giving any doses.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinary surgeon. Contact your veterinary surgeon in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• Depending on other treatment given, your veterinary surgeon may monitor your pet’s blood to check potassium levels. Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet is extremely tired or appears dizzy (uncoordinated).
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.