Brand Name: Vetmedin
Generic Name: Pimobendan
For: Dogs (6 months or older)
What is Pimobendan?
Pimobendan is used to manage mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs caused by atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Pimobendan 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, Pimobendan opens up the blood vessels returning blood to the heart, reducing pressure on the heart. It differs from other commonly used heart drugs because it helps the heart pump more efficiently.
Benefits:
- Helps pets suffering from congestive heart disease
- Increases the ability of the heart to pump blood
- Shown to increase quality and length of life in pets
- *This item can be purchased as the brand or as the compounded generic form.*
Cautions:
If serious side effects or allergic reactions occur, stop giving Pimobendan and seek emergency veterinary medical attention. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has any congenital heart defects, diabetes, or other serious metabolic disease. 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. Pimobendan is not for use in humans. This drug should only be given to the animal for which it was prescribed. Keep this drugs out of reach of children and pets.
What are the possible side effects of Pimobendan?
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Pimobendan 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 Pimobendan 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 Pimobendan?
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 other drugs will affect Pimobendan?
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.
