PIMOBENDAN

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: VETMEDIN

AVAILABLE IN
1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
CHEWABLE TABLETS
and
ORAL SOLUTION

BACKGROUND

For decades the only medications to help weak hearts beat with more strength were foxglove derivatives such as digoxin and digitoxin. These were fraught with side effects and potential to cause heart rhythm disturbance. The development of pimobendan has changed the management of heart failure forever as it is generally well tolerated and very effective. It is used in active heart failure caused by dilative cardiomyopathy as well as heart failure caused by mitral valve insufficiency.

In patients that meet certain heart imaging criteria, pimobendan use can delay the onset of heart failure by an average of 15 months.

HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED

Pimobendan is given twice daily, though the morning and evening doses may be differing amounts. Pimobendan works best when not given with food. Do not mix the oral solution into food. Ideally give pimobendan 1 hour. before feeding. If a dose is accidentally skipped, pick up with the next scheduled dose and continue from there.

SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects are appetite reduction, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. If these side effects persist or are felt to be more than mild, notify your veterinarian.

Rare reactions that came up in drug licensing included, fluid build up in the chest, fainting spells or seizures, and difficulty breathing. These were rare (<10% of patients) but it is important to be aware.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

Pimobendan's effects on the heart maybe reduced with concurrent use of calcium channel blockers or beta blockers.

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

The manufacturer recommends caution when using in puppies under age 6 months or in patients with concurrent serious metabolic disease, especially liver disease or diabetes mellitus.

Pimobendan should not be used in heart diseases that involve obstruction of blood flow.

Pimobendan should not be used in pregnant or nursing patients.

Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law")

Page Posted 11/20/2025