CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Liz Bode,
Medication: Pimobendan
Medication: Pimobendan
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient pimobendan to treat, or try and prevent, congestive heart failure.
Key points:
• Vasodilator and positive inotrope.
• Safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals has not been evaluated.
• Dosage: twice a day, 1 hour before food.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Pimobendan (pi-moben-dan).
Brand name
- Cardisure® (flavored tablets) (Europe & UK).
- Fortekor-Plus (with benazpril) (Europe & UK).
- Pimocard (flavored tablets) (Europe & UK).
- Vetmedin® (injectable and chewable tablets) (Europe & UK, US).
Class of drug
- Vasodilator and positive inotrope.
Storage
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Store in a dry place.
Why has my dog been prescribed pimobendan?
Your veterinarian has prescribed pimobendan for the prevention or management of congestive heart failure (CHF) due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or mitral valve disease (MVD). It may also be used in dogs with other heart conditions either prior to the onset of heart failure or when heart failure occurs. The drug works by opening up the blood vessels to and from the heart (vasodilation), making it easier for blood to be pumped around the body. It also strengthens your dog's heartbeat (positive inotrope).
How is the medication given?
Pimobendan is given orally, as tablets or capsules, given approximately 1 hour before food. Chewable and flavored tablets are available. The medication is best given twice a day (every 12 hours), ideally in the morning and evening.
Pimobendan is given alongside other medications such as furosemide (a diuretic), digoxin or an ACE inhibitor (such as enalpril or benazepri).
Pimobendan may also be given initially as an injection by your veterinarian or by oral liquid.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Side-effects are rare. Vomiting and moderate tachycardia (increased heart rate) may be seen in some cases but can be avoided by reducing the dose.
The effects of pimobendan are increased with beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers (especially verapamil).
Pimobendan should not be used for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Your dog will likely be on pimobendan for the rest of their life if responding well to treatment.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused pimobendan safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Pimobendan should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not give to pregnant or lactating dogs
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on pimobendan?
There are no specific monitoring needs, but your veterinarian will monitor that the medication is working.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on pimobendan can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedin®. Website: vetmedin.co.uk
- Dechra Cardisure® Flavoured Tablets for dogs. Webpage: www.dechra.co.uk/Files/Files/ProductDownloads/uk/Cardisure_Leaflet_Inserts-UK-IE.pdf
- European Medicines Agency Forkekor Plus. Webpage: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/overview/fortekor-plus-epar-summary-public_en.pdf
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Pimocard 2.5 mg flavoured tablets for dogs. Webpage: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/files/QRD_Documents/QRD-Auth_727718.PDF.
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Vetmedin®:
- 5 mg chewable tablets. Webpage: vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/QRD_Documents/QRD-Auth_416888.PDF
- 2.5 mg chewable tablets. Webpage: vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/QRD_Documents/QRD-Auth_891172.PDF
- NOAH CompendiumVetmedin® Chew 1.25 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg chewable tablets for dogs. Webpage: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-461058&template=template_printview
US
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedin®. Website: /bi-vetmedica.com/species/pet/products/vetmedin.html
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.