Vasosan Plus for dogs
Vasosan is a veterinary drug used to prevent heart failure and lower blood pressure. Developed by the Russian company Api-San, the medication is an analogue of a foreign drug. Vasotope, and its main advantage is its more affordable price.
Content
Release form and composition
Vasosan is a round tablet for oral use. It is yellow or light brown in color. The manufacturer's AS logo is imprinted on one side, and a scoring line is located on the other side for easy breaking.
The medication is packaged in polymer jars with screw-on lids. The number of tablets per jar can vary from 10 to 50. This allows pet owners to choose the appropriate packaging depending on their animal's size, treatment duration, and other factors.
The main active ingredient of the medication is ramipril. The drug is available in three strengths: 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg. The excipients are identical in all three versions. The medication also contains:
- potato starch;
- colloidal silicon dioxide;
- talc;
- calcium stearate;
- iron oxide;
- lactose;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
There are no special storage requirements for this medication. The temperature should be between 2 and 30˚C. Store in a dry place away from ultraviolet rays. Keep out of the reach of children. Vasosan should not be used for animal treatment after the expiration date.
Important! After removing the tablets from the bottle, close the lid tightly.
Pharmacological properties and features
Vasosan has a pronounced hypotensive effect, meaning it lowers blood pressure. This effect is achieved by ramipril inhibiting the production of an enzyme whose excess levels contribute to high blood pressure. It is synthesized in increased quantities during stress. Furthermore, the active ingredient stimulates the breakdown of a substance that can dilate blood vessels. The advantage of this medication is that it lowers blood pressure without causing tachycardia.
With a single dose, the medication begins to act within 1-3 hours and lasts for 24 hours. With long-term use, the antihypertensive effect of the medication intensifies over 3-4 weeks and is maintained throughout the treatment period. With continuous use, steady-state ramipril concentrations are achieved in the animal's blood by the fourth day.
Approximately 60% of the substance binds to blood plasma. The drug is metabolized in the liver. It is excreted from the body in feces and urine. According to the 1976 GOST classification, Vazosan is classified as a low-hazard substance.
Please note! This medication is considered safe for animals when used at the recommended dose, but Vasosan should only be used in dogs as directed by a doctor and strictly according to the instructions.
Price
The price of Vasosan for dogs depends on the active ingredient content. A pack of 30 tablets costs approximately:
- 1.25 mg – about 500 rubles;
- 2.5 mg – about 680 rubles;
- 5 mg – about 880 rubles.
The drug can be purchased both in regular veterinary pharmacies and online.
When and how is it used?
The medication is used to treat heart failure and prevent the development of this life-threatening condition. A doctor may also prescribe the medication in the following cases:
- with high blood pressure;
- for cardiomyopathies of various origins;
- to prevent the development of myocardial ischemia.
The medication is administered once daily, always on an empty stomach. The dosage is calculated based on the animal's weight, so weighing the pet first will help ensure accurate calculations and prevent overdose. The dosage is calculated as follows: 0.125 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of body weight. For large dogs weighing over 50 kg, the daily dose may be divided into two doses.
If Vasosan does not reduce blood pressure within a few days, the dose is doubled. To enhance the medication's effectiveness, diuretics are included in the overall treatment regimen. If pulmonary congestion is present, the Vasosan dose is also doubled to 0.25 mg/kg.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. In some cases, lifelong use of the medication is required.
Important! Examinations and clinical studies during treatment with Vasosan should be performed every 7-10 days.
Special instructions
When using Vasosan for dogs, please pay attention to the special instructions in the instructions for use:
- Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may cause an increase in blood pressure.
- If the animal shows signs of dehydration and hypovolemia (decreased blood volume), discontinue the medication, as it may cause very low blood pressure. Symptomatic treatment is prescribed to restore fluid and electrolyte balance, and then the medication is resumed at half the dose.
- If there is a risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), the medicine should be given only under the supervision of a physician.
- Do not skip a dose. If you cannot avoid it, resume taking the medication as soon as possible.
Please note! For acute and chronic kidney disease, use this medication under veterinary supervision. Do not self-medicate with Vasosan.
When should it not be used?
Contraindications for the use of the drug are:
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- liver and kidney failure;
- intolerance to components;
- mitral valve or aortic stenosis;
- obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
When taking Vasosan, avoid taking large amounts of diuretics, as they can enhance its effects. A low-sodium diet should also be followed with caution, as it can have a similar effect. If the medication is used in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics, consult a doctor to avoid the risk of hyperkalemia. Regular blood tests can help prevent this.
Using Vasosan in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause acute renal failure and severe blood pressure changes. If anesthesia is planned, the medication should be discontinued 24 hours before the procedure.
Side effects
Even exceeding the dose by 20 times does not cause side effects, although in rare cases animals experience apathy and impaired coordination of movements.
The medication may cause the following side effects:
- loss of coordination, fatigue and even lethargy;
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach problems;
- convulsions, trembling of the limbs and other disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system;
- rhinitis or sinusitis, bronchospasms.
Intolerance to the components can lead to an allergic reaction. If side effects occur, the medication is discontinued and treatment is prescribed to eliminate the symptoms. Once the patient's health has recovered, Vasosan is resumed at a halved dose.
Owner reviews
Maxim, the owner of a Rottweiler:
"My dog was diagnosed with heart failure five years ago. He was nine years old at the time. Since then, I've been using medication to keep him alive. I've tried numerous medications, but Vasosan has been the best. The effects are noticeable within five to six days of starting treatment. My dog doesn't take the medication continuously, but in courses, but the results are clear—he's successfully fighting this fatal condition."
Mikhail, owner of a 15-year-old mongrel dog:
"Our Jack is a mixed-breed, but he's like a member of the family to us. The diagnosis of heart failure felt like a death sentence. After hospital treatment, the doctor prescribed Vasosan. We'll be taking it for life, but thanks to it, our Jack lives on. There have been no side effects."
Veterinarian Reviews
Artem, a veterinarian with 10 years of experience:
"An excellent alternative to the foreign-made Vasotop. This domestic product is just as effective. And although the instructions list a long list of possible side effects, my patients tolerate it well. No complications or side effects have occurred during the entire period of use, although I wouldn't recommend using it for dog owners without a doctor's prescription."
Oksana, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:
"I often prescribe Vasosan for heart failure in dogs. It's a complete analogue of the foreign drug, only cheaper. This medication has proven itself to be highly effective and has helped prolong the lives of many pets. My colleagues also speak highly of this medication."
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