Description
What is the purpose of Vetmedin?
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is supplied as oblong half-scored chewable tablets containing 1.25 or 5 mg pimobendan per tablet. Pimobendan, a benzimidazole-pyridazinone derivative, is a non-sympathomimetic, non-glycoside inotropic drug with vasodilatative properties. Pimobendan exerts a stimulatory myocardial effect by a dual mechanism of action consisting of an increase in calcium sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments and inhibition of phosphodiesterase (Type III). Pimobendan exhibits vasodilating activity by inhibiting phosphodiesterase III activity.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C9H13NO3 |
License |
US FDA |
Bioavailability |
60 to 65% |
Legal status |
US: RX Only |
Chemical Name |
Pimobendan |
Elimination half-life |
0.4 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
1.25mg (50 tablets), 5mg (50 tablets) |
Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
Brands |
Vetmedin, Pimobendan |
Protein binding |
90-95% |
PubChem CID |
4823 |
MedlinePlus |
a619020 |
ChEBI |
32003 |
ATC code |
- |
DrugBank |
DB11450 |
KEGG |
D01133 |
Routes of administration |
Oral |
Directions
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.
Weight lbs |
Daily Dosage (mg) |
# of pills per day 1.25mg |
Administer (AM then PM) |
5.5lbs(2.5kg) |
1.25mg |
1 |
½ a pill every 12 hours |
8.25bs(3.75kg) |
1.875mg |
1.5 |
1 pill and then a ½ every 12 hours |
11lbs(5kg) |
2.50mg |
2 |
1 pill every 12 hours |
16.5lbs(7.5kg) |
3.75mg |
3 |
1 and ½ pills every 12 hours |
22lbs (10kg) |
5.06mg |
4 |
2 pills every 12 hours |
Weight lbs |
Daily Dosage (mg) |
# of pills per day 1.25mg |
Administer (AM then PM) |
22lbs(10kg) |
5.06mg |
1 |
½ a pill every 12 hours |
33lbs(15kg) |
7.59mg |
1.5 |
1 pill and then a ½ every 12 hours |
44lbs(20kg) |
10.12mg |
2 |
1 pill every 12 hours |
66lbs(30kg) |
15.18mg |
3 |
1 and ½ pills every 12 hours |
88lbs(40kg) |
20.24mg |
4 |
2 pills every 12 hours |
Ingredients
The chemical name of pimobendan is 4,5-dihydro-6-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-yl]-5-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone.
Cautions
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
Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 9788