Pimobendan
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Pimobendan for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team. Last updated in Feb 2025.
- Pimobendan is a heart medicine that is used to help the heart muscle do its job better while using less effort.
- Give this medicine when the stomach is empty, about 1 hour before a meal.
- The side effects seen most often are vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and low energy.
- Call your veterinarian if your animal has difficulty breathing, has seizures, or passes out/loses consciousness.
Description
Pimobendan is a heart medicine described as an inodilator. This means it helps the heart muscle squeeze more strongly, and it also helps blood vessels relax so blood can move through them more easily.
This medicine comes as chewable tablets and as a liquid given by mouth (oral solution).
Other common names
- Vetmedin
- Vetmedin-CA1
Uses
Uses approved for animals:
- Management of congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal types or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:
- Treatment of heart failure in cats.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently taking.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any past medication reactions or side effects your animal has had.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- That have an allergy to this medicine.
- That have certain heart problems. Your veterinarian will decide whether your animal has these problems before pimobendan is used.
Use with caution in:
- Dogs under 6 months of age.
- Dogs whose heart failure is due to causes other than MMVD or DCM.
- Animals born with heart defects (present from birth).
- Animals with abnormal heart rhythms that are not controlled.
- Animals with severe liver disease.
- Animals with diabetes or other serious problems affecting body metabolism.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking a medication.
Warnings for humans
- After handling any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it.
- This medicine should be given when the stomach is empty, about 1 hour before feeding.
If you are using the oral solution (liquid):
- Give the liquid straight into the mouth. Do not put it into food.
- Do not shake the liquid before giving it. Only shake pimobendan liquids if the prescription label specifically tells you to.
- Use only the dosing syringe that came with the product to measure the liquid.
- After each dose, clean the outside of the syringe by wiping it with a dry cloth.
- If the syringe becomes blocked, rinse it with water without taking the plunger out.
- If your animal throws up after a dose, contact your veterinarian. Do not give another dose until the next scheduled dose time unless your veterinarian tells you to.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
- Low energy or weakness.
- Loss of coordination.
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
- More fluid in the belly (bloating).
How will I know it's working?
- If your animal’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- This medicine begins to work within a few hours, but you may not be able to see the effects.
- Your veterinarian will need to do follow-up testing to check how well this medicine is working.
- The medicine will no longer work within 12 hours after the last dose.
- It may last longer if your animal’s liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used for life.
- Do NOT stop this medicine suddenly.
- Plan refills so you do not run out, because treatment should not be interrupted.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or think one may have happened, call your veterinarian or a poison control service for animals (a consultation fee applies):
- If possible, have the product or its label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Keep following the normal dosing schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once or give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
Disposal
- Throw away the oral solution 8 weeks after opening the bottle.
- Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it down a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions about Pimobendan for pets in Perth?
- Speak with your veterinarian.
- Keep this medicine where children and animals cannot reach it.
- The tablets are chewable and flavored so animals may want to eat them. Store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
Heart Disease Care for Pets in Perth can support follow-up monitoring for pets prescribed Pimobendan for pets in Perth.
BOOKING is available if you need a mobile vet Perth appointment.