What is pimobendan?
Pimobendan (brand name Vetmedin®) is a heart medication used to treat dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) usually caused by dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency.
Its use in cats to treat heart failure is off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada.
In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
How is pimobendan given?
- Pimobendan is given by mouth in the form of a tablet. In some countries, pimobendan can also be given as an injection in the hospital, or by mouth in the form of an oral liquid.
- Give on an empty stomach.
- Give this medication exactly as prescribed.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be noted outwardly, and laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Are there any potential side effects?
Pimobendan may cause the following side effects:
- gastrointestinal effects (decreased appetite and diarrhea)
- lethargy
- difficulty breathing
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Pimobendan should NOT BE USED in pets that:
- are allergic to it
- have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or other conditions where an increase in cardiac input is inappropriate
Pimobendan should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets that:
- have uncontrolled, abnormal heart rhythms
- are young, breeding, pregnant, or lactating (safety is unknown)
- have a congenital heart defect, diabetes, or other metabolic disorders (safety is unknown)
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
The following medications should be used with caution in pets using pimobendan:
- calcium antagonists (verapamil and diltiazem)
- beta-antagonists (propranolol, atenolol)
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- No specific monitoring is required while your pet is taking this medication.
- Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
How do I store pimobendan?
- Store pimobendan at room temperature and protect from light.
- For the chewable tablets, ensure the container is closed completely and stored out of reach of pets, as the flavoring may encourage the animal to seek out the medication.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
