Vetmedin (Pimobendan)

Only Available By Prescription

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What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Vetmedin is a chewable medication for preventing congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It works by promoting greater opening of the blood vessels leading to and from the dog’s heart. It also increases calcium sensitivity for proteins in the heart and this improves the heart’s ability to contract more strongly and effectively.

The active ingredient in Vetmedin is Pimobendan (4,5-dihydro-6-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-5-yl]-5-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone)

Directions

Vetmedin should be administered twice daily 12 hours apart and based on the following guideline: 

1.25mg pill 

  • Weight - 5lbs (2.5kg) / daily dosage - 1.25mg  / one 1/2 pill every 12 hours 
  • Weight - 8.25lbs (3.75kg) / daily dosage - 1.875mg  / one full pill and 1/2 pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 11lbs (5kg) / daily dosage - 2.50mg  / one full pill and another full pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 16lbs (7.5kg) / daily dosage - 3.75mg  / 1.5 pill and another 1.5 pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 22lbs (10kg) / daily dosage - 5.06mg  / 2 pills and then another 2 pills 12 hours later 

5.0mg pill 

  • Weight - 22lbs (10kg) / daily dosage - 1.25mg  / one 1/2 pill every 12 hours 
  • Weight - 33lbs (15kg) / daily dosage - 7.59mg  / one full pill and 1/2 pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 44lbs (20kg) / daily dosage - 10.12mg  / one full pill & another full pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 66lbs (30kg) / daily dosage - 15.18mg  / 1.5 pill and another 1.5 pill 12 hours later 
  • Weight - 88lbs (40kg) / daily dosage - 20.24mg  / 2 pills and then another 2 pills 12 hours later

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

Poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia.

This information is for informational purposes only. It is not to be a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or professional advice of a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of a particular medication.

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 your pet. See your veterinarian for medical advice and treatment for your pet if you have any concerns.