Cardalis® Chewable Tablets

Cardalis (spironolactone and benazepril hydrochloride chewable tablets) is a combination drug, indicated with concurrent therapy (e.g. furosemide, etc.) for the management of clinical signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI).

References:

1. Keene, BW, Atkins, CE, Bonagura, JD, et al. ACVIM consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019; 33: 1127–1140. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15488

2. Coffman M, Guillot E, Blondel T, et al. Clinical efficacy of a benazepril and spironolactone combination in dogs with congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease: The Benazepril Spironolactone STudy (BESST). J Vet Intern Med. 2021;35(4):1673-1687. doi:10.1111/jvim.16155.

This product contains a chemical on the Prop 65 List. 

Dogs

Spironolactone, Benazepril hydrochloride

Complete inactive ingredients list not provided by manufacturer.

Cardalis

Potassium-sparing diuretic, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor

Cardalis chewable tablets are “beef” flavored*.

Ceva Animal Health

Cardalis chewable tablets are available in three sizes:

Please ensure the selected product is appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian. For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.

Cardalis should be given orally as directed by your veterinarian. Wash hands after handing the medication. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.

Cardalis should be administered with food.

Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean drinking water while taking this medication. Diuretic medications, including spironolactone, may increase the number of times your pet will need to urinate (especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is changed). If possible, try to give the prescribed dose earlier in the day to help avoid nighttime urinary urgency.

If a dose is missed: Administer the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give more medication than prescribed or two doses at once.

If you have questions about your pet’s prescribed dosing schedule (e.g., timing, interval), please consult your veterinarian.

Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F), in the original container. Excursions permitted between 59° and 86°F. Keep this and all medications in a secure location out of the reach of children and animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Exposure to extreme temperatures, light, or moisture can affect the integrity and effectiveness of medications. Always store medications properly (e.g., away from the bathroom, kitchen sink, or other damp places).

The most common side effects of this medication are anorexia (decreased/lack of appetite), vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and renal insufficiency (decreased kidney function).

Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any side effects, including those listed above, or if you notice anything unusual.

For oral use in dogs only. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and animals. Consult a physician in case of ingestion by humans.

Do NOT administer in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in dogs with renal insufficiency. Do not use in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), or hyponatremia (low sodium levels).

The safety and effectiveness of concurrent therapy of Cardalis with pimobendan has not been evaluated.

Use with caution in growing dogs (due to the antiandrogenic effect of spironolactone) and in dogs with preexisting kidney or liver impairment.

The safety of Cardalis has not been established in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs. Discuss the risks of using this medication with your veterinarian prior to use if your pet is in one of these groups.

Do not administer Cardalis to animals with a known or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to any ACE inhibitor (including benazepril), spironolactone, or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Please inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known sensitivities or allergies, especially to medications and supplements.

If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.

Spironolactone, one of the active ingredients in Cardalis, is classified as hazardous due to potential risks to individuals who are actively trying to conceive, as well as to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and those who may become pregnant.

Cutting, crushing, or otherwise manipulating tablets may increase the risk of exposure. Wearing gloves is recommended when handling this medication, especially if you are pregnant. All pet owners should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the medication, even if gloves are worn.

The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication: allopurinol, alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine, dexmedetomidine), antidiabetic agents (including insulins), benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam), beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, sotalol), concurrent blood pressure/heart medications (e.g., amlodipine, diuretics, telmisartan, sildenafil), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), cyclosporine, desoxycorticosterone pivalate (Percorten-V, Zycortal), digoxin, fludrocortisone, fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), NSAIDs, phenobarbital, phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine, trimeprazine), potassium supplements, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), selegiline, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), sulfa-/trimethoprim, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine), and warfarin.

*NOTE: This may not be a comprehensive list. As with all medications, please consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns prior to use. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when multiple medications and/or supplements are given together.

Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) products that your pet is currently using. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.

If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact the manufacturer Ceva Animal Health at 1-800-999-0297 or Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.

If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.

For humans:

The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.

For animals:

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.

Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.

All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.

For additional information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan, please consult your veterinarian.