Vetmedin is used to manage certain types of congestive heart failure. It differs from other commonly used heart drugs because it helps the heart pump more efficiently. Vetmedin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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Helps pets suffering from congestive heart disease
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Shown to increase quality and length of life in pets
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Increases the ability of the heart to pump blood
How it works: Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart, effectively reducing work the heart does to pump blood. At the same time, Vetmedin opens up the blood vessels returning blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart.
Cautions: If serious side effects or allergic reactions occur, stop giving Vetmedin and seek emergency veterinary medical attention.
More Information:
Brand Name Vetmedin (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Generic Name Pimobendan
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What is the most important information I should know about Vetmedin: Vetmedin is used in dogs 6 months of age or older for the management of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin is available by prescription as 1.25mg and 5mg scored, porcine derived beef flavored, chewable tablets. The usual dose for dogs is 0.23mg per pound divided into 2 portions to be given 12 hours apart. The portion to be given should be to the nearest 1/2 tablet increment.
What is Vetmedin: Vetmedin is a medication that increases the ability of the heart to pump blood. It is used in dogs 6 months of age or older for the management of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Vetmedin to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has any congenital heart defects, diabetes, or other serious metabolic disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, the total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions to be given 12 hours apart. The portion to be given should be to the nearest 1/2 tablet increment. Store Vetedin at room temperature away from moisture and light.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Vetmedin overdose that may occur include; loss of appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, incoordination, fainting, accumulation of fluid in the lungs or abdomen, and cough.
What should I avoid while giving Vetmedin: Vetmedin is not for use in humans. Do not give this medication to animals allergic to it. Do not give to animals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other condition where an increase in cardiac output is not recommended. Do not give this medication to dogs less than 6 months of age. Do not give this medication to pregnant or lactating animals.
What are the possible side effects of Vetmedin: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Vetmedin and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, coma. Continue giving Vetmedin and contact your veterinarian if your pet develops; poor appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness, incoordination, fainting, accumulation of fluid in the lungs or abdomen, and cough. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the pet.
What other drugs will affect Vetmedin: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is also being given verapamil (Isoptin, Calan, Verelan), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and pentoxiphylline (Trental). Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines, including vitamins and minerals.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Vetmedin is a prescription medication used in dogs to increase the ability of the heart to pump blood.
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Vetmedin is used for the management of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Tip: Vetmedin is available as beef-flavored chewable tablets.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs: (over 6 months of age)
All weights
The usual dose is 0.23mg per pound of pet’s body weight divided into 2 portions to be given 12 hours apart. The portion to be given should be to the nearest ½ tablet increment
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store Vetmedin at room temperature away from moisture and light.
Puck is doing fairly well on Vetmedin. He does have a medical complication (collapsing traechea) so at times it is difficult to assess how effective any medication is. At the present time, he does seem to be enjoying life, going for walks, climbing stairs, playing with siblings etc. Time will tell, but overall I would recommend this product and am thrilled to have my precious dog thriving!
Our Gabby has had a heart murmur since birth, and has never gotten worse. She is now 11 years old. She recently started coughing, and acting odd, not lethargic just not herself. My vet put her on Lasix, and suggested Vetmedin. Her coughing improved somewhat, but her heart was still beating hard so we added the Vetmedin and it is working wonders. Her heart does not beat as hard, and she is back to acting like the wild Queensland Healer Cocker Spaniel cross we love, only coughing when she gets overly wound up.
Vetmedin, in conjunction with several other medications, has given my 11 year old lab mix, Sandy, a new lease on life. He was coughing severely, panting, and not eating. He was diagnosed with CHF and severe heart damage after spending a day in CCU at an emergency veterinary clinic. This medication has helped him tremendously. He runs and plays with our 2 other dogs, his appetite is fabulous, and coughing is at minimum. It is almost as though he is a few years younger. I am SO thankful for these medications, and for the doctors that treat him.
Vetmrdin gave me an extra year with Max ( my beagle) who passed away 11/25/2011. See earlier review(max's condition stabalized) This drug may not be suited for all. I am thankful for the extra time we had.
I am not familiar with Vetmedin as a capsule, only as chewable tablets. Since this medication is for chronic use, with a prescription from your veterinarian we can send this to Australia.
There's no problem using Vetmedin to treat an enlarged heart (CHF) in a pet with Cushing's disease. There may be a problem, however, with other medications used to treat both diseases. For example, if you are treating your pet with Vetoryl for Cushing's disease and also giving enalapril for CHF, or if you are treating Cushing's with ketoconazole and already giving digoxin for CHF, dosage adjustments may be necessary.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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