Enacard tablets for Dogs (enalapril maleate) are presented as round non-scored biconvex uncoated tablets, colour coded according to dosage strength: 1.0 mg - green; 2.5 mg - blue; 5.0 mg - pink; 10.0 mg - yellow and 20.0 mg - white. For the treatment of mild, moderate and severe congestive heart failure in dogs caused by mitral regurgitation or dilated cardiomyopathy as an adjunctive therapy with diuretics. For improved exercise tolerance and increased survival in dogs with mild, moderate and severe heart failure.

Enacard Tablets for Dogs should be administered orally at a recommended dose rate of 0.5 mg/kg once daily. Individual dosages should be administered on the basis of bodyweight using the appropriate tablet or combination of tablet sizes.

In the absence of a clinical response within 2 weeks following initiation of therapy with the product, the dose should be increased, depending on the patient's response, up to a maximum of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight administered twice daily. This dose titration may be performed over a two to four week period, or more rapidly if indicated by the presence of continuing signs of congestive heart failure. Dogs should be observed closely for 48 hours following initial dosing or an increase in dose.

Therapy with diuretics should be initiated at least one day prior to starting treatment with the product. Evaluation of the patient should include assessment of renal function prior to initiation of therapy and for 2 to 7 days after treatment with the product.

Pre-renal azotaemia is usually a result of hypotension induced by impaired cardio-vascular performance. On occasion substances that deplete blood volume, such as diuretics, or which vasodilate, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may contribute to lowering systemic blood pressure. This may create a hypotensive state or exacerbate an existing hypotensive situation and result in pre-renal azotaemia. Dogs with no detectable renal disease may develop minor and transient increases in blood urea nitrogen or serum creatinine when the product is administered concomitantly with a diuretic. Renal function should be monitored both before and 2 to 7 days after starting the treatment with the product. The dose of the diuretic and/or the product should be reduced or their use should be discontinued if signs of hypotension or azotaemia develop or if the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and/or serum creatinine increase significantly over pre-treatment levels. Periodic monitoring of renal function should be continued. Should clinical signs of overdosage occur (e.g. azotaemia) after the dose is increased from once daily to twice daily, the dose should be decreased to once daily.

Whilst all clinical data were generated in conjunction with frusemide, the product may be administered to dogs being treated with thiazide diuretics.

Do not use in any dog that has evidence of cardiac output failure e.g. aortic stenosis. The product is not recommended for use in pregnant bitches. Safety in breeding dogs has not been established.

Do not use with potassium-sparing diuretics. The product has been demonstrated to be generally well tolerated. In clinical studies, the overall incidence of side effects was not significantly greater with the product than with vehicle tablets. For the most part side effects have been mild and transient in nature and have not required discontinuation of therapy. Clinical signs reported include azotaemia, lethargy, drowsiness, hypotension, disorientation and incoordination.

ENACARD Tablets for Dogs given at the recommended dose level has been shown to have an adequate margin of safety in dogs with heart failure. The safety of the product has been thoroughly investigated in several animal species including man to assess its general toxicity. Normal dogs given 15 mg per kg per day for up to one year showed no adverse effects or changes.

In case of accidental ingestion, seek urgent medical attention showing the product label to the doctor or nurse. Physicians should contact a Poison Control Centre for advice concerning cases of human consumption.

Wash hands after use. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25°C, and avoid transient temperatures above 50°C. For animal treatment only.

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.