Pimobendan

(pi-moe-ben-den)

Other names for this medication: Vetmedin, Vetmedin-CA1

Pimobendan is a heart medication used to help the heart muscle work better and with less effort.

•Give on an empty stomach, approximately an hour before feeding

•The most likely side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lack of energy.

•Contact your veterinarian if your animal has trouble breathing, experiences seizures, or loses consciousness.

Description

•Pimobendan is a heart medication called an inodilator. It helps the heart muscle pump harder and relaxes the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

•Available as chewable tablets and an oral solution

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Management of congestive heart failure due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs

This medication is also conditionally approved for:

•Delaying the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs in an earlier stage of MMVD

Conditional approval means that the FDA has found this medication safe to use but is continuing to gather information about how well it works for this purpose.

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:

•Treatment of heart failure in cats

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal has now or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in animals:

•That are allergic to it

•With certain heart conditions. Your veterinarian will determine if your animal has these conditions before using pimobendan.

Use with caution in:

•Dogs younger than 6 months

•Dogs with heart failure from causes other than MMVD or DCM

•Animals that were born with heart defects (congenital)

•Animals that have uncontrolled abnormal heart rhythms

•Animals with severe liver disease

•Animals with diabetes or other serious metabolic diseases

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

How do I give this medication?

•This medication should be given on an empty stomach, approximately an hour before feeding.

•The oral solution should be given directly into the mouth. Do not mix into food.

•Do not shake the oral solution before giving. Only shake pimobendan liquids if directed to do so on the prescription label.

•Measure the oral solution using only the syringe that came with the product.

•Wipe the outside of the syringe with a dry cloth after each dose to clean it. If the syringe clogs, rinse it with water without removing the plunger.

•If your animal vomits after a dose, contact your veterinarian. Do not give another dose until the next scheduled time unless directed otherwise.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite

•Lack of energy or weakness

•Loss of coordination

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Trouble breathing

•Collapse or loss of consciousness

•Seizures

•Increased belly fluid (bloating)

How will I know it's working?

•This medication will start working within several hours, but you may not be able to see its effects.

•Your veterinarian will need to run follow-up tests to see how well this medication is working.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 12 hours of the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time but is often a lifelong medication. Do NOT suddenly stop giving this medication. Make sure to refill the prescription to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Overdose

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store in the original container at room temperature.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

‐The tablets are chewable and flavored to be appealing to animals. Secure storage that is well out of reach is important to prevent accidental overdose.

Disposal

Discard the oral solution 8 weeks after opening the bottle.

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal in a plastic bag, and throw away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.