Vetmedin (Pimobendan) Chewable Tablets

Description

Vetmedin is indicated for the management of the signs of mild, moderate, or severe (modified NYHA Class IIa, IIIb, or IVc) congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).  

Vetmedin is indicated for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure (e.g., furosemide, etc.) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

• a. A dog with modified New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II heart failure has fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, etc. apparent when ordinary exercise is exceeded.
• b. A dog with modified NYHA Class III heart failure is comfortable at rest, but exercise capacity is minimal.
• c. A dog with modified NYHA Class IV heart failure has no capacity for exercise and disabling clinical signs are present even at rest.

Vetmedin Chewable Tablets (pimobendan) come in either 1.25mg, 2.5, 5mg, or 10mg, 50 tablets per bottle.

Dosage and Administration

Vetmedin should be administered orally at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight, using a suitable combination of whole or half tablets. The total daily dose should be divided into 2 portions that are not necessarily equal, and the portions should be administered approximately 12 hours apart (i.e., morning and evening). The tablets are scored and the calculated dosage should be provided to the nearest half tablet increment.

Quick Tips

Vetmedin is a prescription medication used in dogs to increase the ability of the heart to pump blood.

Vetmedin is used for the management of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Storage Directions

Store at 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F), excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (between 59° and 86°F). Keep away from moisture and light.

Palatability

In a laboratory study, the palatability of Vetmedin was evaluated in 20 adult female Beagle dogs offered doses twice daily for 14 days. Ninety percent (18 of 20 dogs) voluntarily consumed more than 70% of the 28 tablets offered. Including two dogs that consumed only 4 and 7% of the tablets offered, the average voluntary consumption was 84.2%.

Contraindications

Vetmedin should not be given in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.

Warnings

Only for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. At 3 and 5 times the recommended dosage, administered over a 6-month period of time, pimobendan caused an exaggerated hemodynamic response in the normal dog heart, which was associated with cardiac pathology

Human Warnings

Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.

Possible Side Effects

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.

Continue giving Vetmedin and contact your veterinarian if your dog 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 your dog.