Page 438 - Feline Cardiology

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

Torsemide Loop diuretic 0.1–0.3 mg/kg Similar effect to furosemide but more potent; 5, 10
(Demadex [H], PO produces diuretic effect similar to 1–3 mg/kg 20 mg
torasemide) q 24h (or furosemide, but may be less prone to Tab
divided “braking effect” (diuretic resistance over time). 100 mg
into q 12h) May be considered when diuretic response to Cap
high-dose furosemide is diminished, in 10 mg/ml
refractory heart failure. Some consider Inj
decreasing the furosemide dose 50% when HM
adding on, can always uptitrate. May cause
severe dehydration, so careful monitoring of
renal values, serum electrolytes, clinical
status, as for other loop diuretics.
Valium—see
Diazepam
Vasopressin Noncatecholamine 0.2–0.8 U/kg IV Newer application in cardiac arrest-associated 20 U/ml
(Pitressin [H]) vasoconstrictor hypotension: may be similar to epinephrine Inj
peptide for treatment of hypotension in this setting. HM
Administer low dose and repeat as necessary
based on presence of pulse, blood pressure
monitoring (can repeat q 3–5 min, and can
alternate with epinephrine).

Vasotec—see
Enalapril
Vasotop—see
Ramipril
Verapamil Calcium-channel 0.05 mg/kg Indicated for severe, uncontrolled 2.5 mg/ml
(Calan, blocker slow supraventricular tachycardias after correctable Inj
Isoptan, IV; may repeat systemic causes have been addressed. Avoid HM
Verelan twice, 5–30 (or reduce dosage) if structural heart disease
[all H]) minutes is present; risk of triggering congestive heart
between failure (or aggravating it, if already present) if
doses heart rate suppression is excessive; verapamil
is also a negative inotrope (contraindicated in
DCM and any other situation where
ventricular contractility is compromised). The
use of diltiazem IV has surpassed verapamil,
due to fewer negative inotropic effects with
diltiazem. Previous use as oral drug for feline
HCM has not persisted, likely due to absence
of demonstrated efficacy (like other drugs for
this disease) and greater ease of q 12–24 h
pilling with atenolol.

Versed—see
Midazolam
Vetalar—see
Ketamine Drug Formulary
Vetmedin—see
Pimobendan
Continued

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