Cardalis

Cardalis is a veterinary medicine used for the treatment of congestive heart failure caused by a leaking heart valve (chronic mitral valve degeneration) in dogs. The tablets are meat-flavored and available in 2.5mg/20mg, 5mg/40mg, and 10mg/80mg strengths.

How Cardalis Works

The active ingredients in Cardalis are the ACE inhibitor benazepril hydrochloride and the diuretic spironolactone. ACE inhibitors prevent the kidneys from retaining excess fluid and relax the blood vessels, resulting in a slight reduction in blood pressure.

In cases of congestive heart failure, ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) or edema (fluid in areas like the lungs or under the skin) may develop, leading to severe shortness of breath and coughing. Spironolactone helps remove excess fluid from the abdomen, chest cavity, lungs, or other areas through urination. By reducing the fluid volume, the circulatory system becomes less “filled,” lowering blood pressure and relieving the heart from having to pump so much blood. The diuretic effect of Cardalis may sometimes require additional diuretic medications to achieve the desired results.

Dosage of Cardalis

This fixed-combination veterinary medicine should only be used in dogs that require both active ingredients administered simultaneously at the specified fixed dose. Cardalis chewable tablets should be administered once daily at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg body weight benazepril hydrochloride (HCl) and 2 mg/kg body weight spironolactone. The tablets should be given with food or mixed with a small amount of food right before or during the meal.

Additional Medications for Heart Failure in Dogs

If your dog has been diagnosed with heart failure, your veterinarian may prescribe additional medications. There are several classes of medications that can be combined with Cardalis.

Medications to Improve Heart Muscle Contraction

The active ingredient pimobendan strengthens the heart muscle and relaxes blood vessels, improving the heart’s “output.” It is prescribed for a leaking heart valve (mitral insufficiency) and a specific form of heart muscle disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Pimobendan is found in Cardisure, Pimotab, and Vetmedin.

Diuretics

The diuretic in Cardalis is not always sufficient, so additional diuretics may be required. Common options include furosemide (Libeo and Furosoral) or torasemide (Isemid and Upcard).

Package Leaflet

Before use, read the Cardalis package leaflet.

If you have any questions about Cardalis, please contact us.