Pimobendan


Prescription pillsWhat is Pimobendan?

Pimobendan is the first drug in a newer class of heart medications called inodilators. It works both as a balanced vasodilator, lowering both the pressure within the arteries and veins, as well as improving heart muscle strength. This combination works to improve blood flow to the body without the negative effect of causing further heart muscle damage. It has greatly improved the quality of life, as well as life expectancy of veterinary patients (vs dogs with advanced disease or congestive heart failure from degenerative valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy).

Uses/Indications

  • Primarily labeled for the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) indogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Degenerative Valve Disease
  • Advanced ACVIM Stage B2 degenerative mitral valve disease
  • Advanced preclinical Dilated Cardiomyopathy
  • Pulmonary Hypertension (high blood pressure in lungs), especially in patients in active CHF
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy with concurrent heart muscle dysfunction
  • Off label use in cats with CHF secondary to various forms of cardiomyopathy

Adverse Effects

[please contact CVCA should any of these symptoms be noted]

  • Decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea are most commonly associated side effects
  • Increases in liver tests rarely noted
  • Anecdotal reports of ruptured chordae, left atrial tearing and increased risk for arrhythmias
  • Not recommended to use in dogs with ACVIM Stage A and B1 degenerative valve disease (Asymptomatic patients with the absence of significant heart enlargement), as novel pathologic changes to the mitral valve have been seen if used too early
  • Contraindicated in patients with diseases causing an obstruction to blood flow leaving the heart. Must be used with great caution in patients with subaortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Client Information

  • Chewable tablets are the standard form, but can be reformulated into capsules or liquid suspension
  • Please do not abruptly stop the medication, skip or change doses without veterinary approval
  • Best to recheck blood work, heart rhythm and blood pressure after starting

Interaction with Other Drugs

  • Concurrent use of a beta blocker (atenolol) may decrease the efficacy of pimobendan

Standard Dosage Forms

Pimobendan Chewable Tablets – 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg

Synonyms

(Pimobendan, Vetmedin)


Drug Handouts