What is Vetmedin?

Vetmedin (Pimobendan) for Dogs is a chewable prescription heart medication used to manage mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure caused by atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. It differs from other commonly used cardiac drugs because it helps the heart pump more efficiently. Vetmedin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

Suitable For:

Vetmedin (Pimobendan) is suitable for dogs aged 6 months or older.

Benefits:

• Helps alleviate symptoms and complications of congestive heart disease in dogs, improving the survival time for the disease progression
• Shown to increase length and quality of life and life expectancy in pets
• Increases the ability of the canine heart to pump blood to improves heart rate and blood flow

How does Vetmedin work?

Vetmedin has a unique dual mode of action, dilating the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the heart, thus reducing the load on the heart without increasing the heart size. It also increases the contraction of the heart muscle, without putting additional stress on the heart, proving to be an effective management of heart disease in dogs.

Cautions:

If adverse effects or allergic reactions occur, stop giving Vetmedin and seek emergency veterinary medical attention.

Brand Name:

Vetmedin (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name:

Pimobendan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important information I should know about Vetmedin?

Vetmedin (Pimobendan) is used in dogs 6 months of age or older for the management of various stages of heart disease, 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. Studies have shown that improvement can be seen in as little as 7 days.*Vetmedin Chewable Tablets are only for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure and acquired atrioventricular valvular disease. The safety of Vetmedin Chewable Tablets has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic valvular heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). The safe use of Vetmedin has not been assessed in dogs younger than 6 months, those with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, breeding dogs, pregnant animals, or nursing females. Vetmedin does not treat all types of heart disease in dogs.

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?

According to the product label, Vetmedin should be administered orally. Vetmedin comes in beef flavored chewable tablets that make giving your dog their medication easy. Vetmedin should be given at the onset of clinical signs of heart failure. If you think your dog is showing the symptoms of heart failure, consult with your veterinarian. Vetmedin should not be given with food. Food decreases the bioavailability of an aqueous solution of pimobendan, but the effect of food on the absorption of pimobendan from Vetmedin tablets is unknown. Vetmedin should be administered per your veterinarian's prescription specific to your dog.

What are the possible side effects of Vetmedin?

The most common side effects of Vetmedin (Pimobendan) are poor appetite or loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, shortness of breath, weakness, and ataxia (lack of muscle control and coordination). Clinical trials have shown additional adverse effects may include heart murmur, pleural effusion, and in some instances sudden death. If potential side effects occur, consult your veterinarian.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Vetmedin?

If a dose of Vetmedin is missed, give the next scheduled dose at the normal time. There's no need to give a higher dose. Prolonged overdoses may result in heart malformations and cause abnormal heart rhythms.

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. Certain beta blockers and calcium channel blockers may reduce the effects of Pimobendan. 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 pentoxifylline (Trental). Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines, including vitamins and minerals, to avoid a negative drug interaction.

What special precautions are there?

Vetmedin and furosemide, or other ACE-inhibitors can be taken together, but these (and other) drugs should only be taken in combination when specifically prescribed together by your veterinarian. Be sure to thoroughly discuss all medications and supplements your dog may be taking before starting any new prescription. Vetmedin and enalapril can be taken together as appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Many veterinarians will prescribe a combination of drugs for dogs with congestive heart failure, and Vetmedin (Pimobendan) and enalapril are a common combination. Be sure to discuss all medications your dog is taking before starting Vetmedin (Pimobendan) treatment and call your vet immediately if you notice any side effects. For any specific product questions, please call the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.

Storage:

Store Vetmedin at room temperature away from moisture and light.