Pimobendan

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

If the heart does not work properly, the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys may become damaged. Pimobendan dilates blood vessels and also increases heart muscle contractions. It is used for the treatment of certain heart conditions. It may be prescribed with other medication such as diuretics.

How does this medicine work?

Pimobendan inhibits phosphodiesterase thereby increasing intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations and resulting in vasodilatation. It also increases the calcium sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments leading to increased contractility of the myocardium.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Give this medication about one hour before feeding your pet.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

- DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant or nursing puppies.

- Rarely, your pet may show signs of vomiting. Contact your veterinarian because your pet may benefit from a dose reduction. Depending on other treatment given, your veterinarian may monitor your pet’s blood to check for potassium levels. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is extremely tired or appears dizzy (uncoordinated).

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Care with concurrent use of verapamil or propranolol. I’m not sure when you would administer pimobendan with verapamil or propranolol?

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.