Vetmedin (pimobendan)

What is Vetmedin?

Vetmedin is used to manage mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs caused by atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. 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 (6 months or older)

Benefits:

• Helps pets suffering from congestive heart disease
• Shown to increase quality and length of life in pets
• Increases the ability of the heart to pump blood

How does Vetmedin work?

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.

Brand Name:

Vetmedin (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name:

Pimobendan

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, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg 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 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 Vetmedin 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 Vetmedin at room temperature away from moisture and light.

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. Discontinue 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 happens if I miss giving a dose of Vetmedin?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is 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 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 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.