Page 420 - Feline Cardiology

Generic Name Indications/Drug Dosage and Comments Available sizes
(Brand Name) Type Possible Routes
of Admin.

Calan—see
Verapamil
Calcium Mineral 50–200 mg/kg Treatment for critical hyperkalemia. 10% (100 mg/ml)
gluconate slow IV with Cardioprotective: does not lower serum or 23% (230 mg/
ECG potassium level but helps normalize ionic ml) in
monitoring gradient in myocytes by raising threshold for solution = most
(90 mg depolarization. Especially useful for urethral common.
[=4.5 mEq] obstruction-associated hyperkalemia (75% of Inj.
elemental cats are concurrently hypocalcemic). Infuse HM, VM
calcium per slowly (5–15 minutes) and monitor ECG
1000 mg of during infusion for signs warranting
calcium immediate discontinuation including: sudden
gluconate) decrease in heart rate; PVCs; QT interval
shortening.
Cardizem—see
Diltiazem
Clopidogrel Thienopyridine 18.75 mg/cat Indicated for prevention of thromboembolic 75 mg
(Plavix [H]) antiplatelet PO disease or to stop enlargement of existing Tab
anticoagulant q 24 h thrombus/embolus. Not thrombolytic (will not HM
reduce existing clot). Efficacy in feline aortic
thromboembolism remains under
investigation, may be superior to aspirin.
Generally very safe, low risk of hemorrage.
Mechanism: irreversible inhibition of ADP
binding to its platelet receptor, preventing
platelet activation and conversion of platelet
IIb/IIIa receptor to its active form. Many
reports of ptyalism, distaste by cats; consider
wrapping carefully in treat or placing in
gelatin capsule; give with food to minimize GI
effects that occur in ≈10% of cats. Low risk of
hemorrhagic complication.
Corlopam—see
Fenoldopam

Coumadin,
Coumarin—
see Warfarin
Dalteparin—see
Heparin, low
molecular weight

Demadex—see
Torsemide
Continued Drug Formulary

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