Amlodipine and Pets
Find out if Amlodipine is toxic to dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker prescribed to humans for high blood pressure and angina, and it is also used in veterinary medicine—especially in cats—to manage hypertension. While it can be safe at the very small doses prescribed by a veterinarian, human-strength tablets pose a serious risk of overdose to pets. Even a single dropped pill can be dangerous for a small cat or dog because the concentration is far higher than what most animals are prescribed.
Pets are usually exposed by chewing or swallowing a pill that was dropped, left within reach on a counter, or given by an owner trying to treat suspected high blood pressure at home. Signs of overdose typically appear within 30 minutes to a few hours and may include weakness, lethargy, stumbling, vomiting, low blood pressure, and a slow or irregular heart rate. In severe cases, an animal may collapse or go into shock.
If you suspect your pet has eaten amlodipine, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional. Keep all medications in a secure cabinet, use a pill organizer with a tight lid, and pick up dropped tablets right away—especially if you have cats, who can bat pills under furniture and ingest them later.
Is Amlodipine Toxic to Dogs?
Used off-label in dogs only under veterinary supervision. Overdose can cause low blood pressure, slow heart rate, weakness, and collapse.
Is Amlodipine Toxic to Cats?
Commonly prescribed by vets for feline hypertension at very low doses. Human tablets are much stronger and can cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, or shock.
Active Ingredients
- amlodipine besylate
Common Brand Names
- Norvasc
- Istin
- Amlor
- Katerzia
Dosage Form
tabletoral suspension
Common Uses
- hypertension
- angina
- chronic high blood pressure in cats
Toxic Ingredients
- amlodipine
Symptoms to Watch For
- weakness
- lethargy
- low blood pressure
- slow or irregular heart rate
- vomiting
- stumbling or ataxia
- pale gums
- collapse
- reflex tachycardia in dogs
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Amlodipine?
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. Bring the medication bottle and estimate how much was ingested.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.