Vetmedin (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets for Dogs are a prescription medication used to manage congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs, specifically due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). These tablets contain pimobendan, which acts as a positive inotrope and vasodilator, helping the heart pump more efficiently and reducing the workload on the heart.

Vetmedin (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets are a prescription medication used to manage the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. These chewable tablets contain pimobendan, which is a positive inotrope and vasodilator that helps improve the heart's ability to pump blood and reduce the workload on the heart.

Key Features

• Contains pimobendan: A positive inotrope and vasodilator that improves heart function.
• Manages congestive heart failure: Used to manage symptoms of CHF in dogs.
• Chewable tablets: Easy to administer orally, with or without food.
• Available in different strengths: Suitable for dogs of different sizes.
• Prescription medication: Requires a prescription from a veterinarian.
• Part of comprehensive treatment: Typically used with other medications to manage CHF in dogs.

How It Works:

Vetmedin (pimobendan) works by increasing the strength of the heart muscle contractions and by dilating blood vessels. This dual action helps improve the heart's ability to pump blood, which is particularly beneficial in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF).

1. Positive Inotropy: Vetmedin enhances the contractility of the heart muscle, allowing it to pump blood more effectively. This helps improve the overall function of the heart, which is crucial in managing CHF.
2. Vasodilation: By dilating blood vessels, Vetmedin reduces the resistance against which the heart must pump, thereby reducing the workload on the heart. This helps improve blood flow and reduces the pressure in the heart chambers, further aiding in the management of CHF.

By improving the heart's function and reducing its workload, Vetmedin helps alleviate the symptoms of CHF and improves the quality of life for dogs with this condition.

Indications:

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

Specifications:

• Brand: Vetmedin
• Active Ingredient: Pimobendan
• Type: Chewable Tablets
• Indicated For: Management of congestive heart failure in dogs
• Dosage Form: Chewable tablet
• Strength: Various strengths available

NDC 0010-4480-01 (1.25 mg / 50 tablets)

Active Ingredient:

Pimobendan

View Vetmedin product label

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you.

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.

Dosage Table

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.