{"id":631455,"date":"2025-02-25T10:05:25","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631455"},"modified":"2025-02-25T10:05:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:05:25","slug":"lisinopril-for-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lisinopril-for-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Lisinopril for cats: Uses, dosages, and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is lisinopril used for in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinarians primarily use lisinopril to decrease blood pressure in cats with <\/span>heart failure<\/span><\/a>. Lisinopril belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). These drugs block an enzyme that synthesizes angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/h3>\n

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart doesn\u2019t pump sufficient blood to the body and can\u2019t maintain blood pressure in the veins. It\u2019s usually the result of serious heart disease. The body compensates for heart failure by increasing the size of the heart and retaining water and sodium to increase blood volume. Heart failure and the body\u2019s compensations for it are a downward spiral that eventually leads to death.<\/span><\/p>\n

When veterinarians treat heart failure in a cat, they try to lower blood pressure, increase the heart\u2019s output, and eliminate fluid buildup in the body. Drugs are used to accomplish each of these goals: ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure, heart drugs such as pimobendan to improve the heart’s performance, and <\/span>diuretics<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>furosemide<\/span><\/a> to address fluid retention. Although the heart drug digoxin is often used in dogs with heart failure, it may not be effective in cats.<\/span><\/p>\n

When ACE inhibitor therapy is necessary, veterinary professionals usually choose <\/span>enalapril<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>benazepril<\/span><\/a> because they\u2019re <\/span>well-studied<\/span><\/a> in dogs (but not in cats). Although lisinopril is not commonly used, it has the potential advantage of once-daily dosing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

High blood pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n

Veterinarians may use lisinopril to treat high blood pressure in cats, but it\u2019s unlikely. There are no published dosages, so the drugs of choice are benazepril and enalapril.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is lisinopril safe for cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lisinopril has not been widely studied in cats, but veterinarians believe it is safe based on clinical experience. It is contraindicated in any cat that has had an allergic reaction to ACE inhibitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

The drug is used cautiously in cats with kidney disease, low sodium, blood disorders such as lupus, or problems with blood flow to the heart or brain. Cats with severe heart failure will require extra monitoring when taking lisinopril.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lisinopril may harm unborn kittens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinarians do not know if lisinopril is present in cat milk or can affect nursing kittens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of lisinopril in cats<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of ACE inhibitors in small animals are:<\/span><\/p>\n