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Vetmedin Chewable Tablets (pimobendan)
Vetmedin (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets is indicated for the management of the signs of
mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular
insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Vetmedin a considered first-line therapy at the onset of clinical signs of CHF and DCM. Vetmedin is given with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure (e.g.,
furosemide, etc.) as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Dosage and
Administration:
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.
Contraindications: Vetmedin should not be given in cases of hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an
augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical
reasons. Vetmedin Chewable Tablets are oblong half-scored chewable tablets containing 1.25 or 5 mg pimobendan per
tablet. Pimobendan 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.
Warnings:
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 (See
Animal Safety).
Human
Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of
reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by
humans.
Precautions:
The safety of Vetmedin has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic
heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than AVVI or
DCM. The safe use of Vetmedin has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6
months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes
mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or
pregnant or lactating bitches. Adverse
Reactions:
Adverse reactions are potentially related to
CHF, the therapy of CHF, or both. The following adverse reactions/new
clinical findings are listed according to body system and are not in order
of prevalence: CHF death, sudden death, chordae tendineae rupture, left
atrial tear, arrhythmias overall, tachycardia, syncope, weak pulses,
irregular pulses, increased pulmonary edema, dyspnea, increased respiratory
rate, coughing, gagging, pleural effusion, ascites, hepatic congestion,
decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, melena, weight loss, lethargy,
depression, weakness, collapse, shaking, trembling, ataxia, seizures,
restlessness, agitation, pruritus, increased water consumption, increased
urination, urinary accidents, azotemia, dehydration, abnormal serum
electrolyte, protein, and glucose values, mild increases in serum hepatic
enzyme levels, and mildly decreased platelet counts.Vetmedin was used safely in
dogs concurrently receiving furosemide, digoxin, enalapril, atenolol,
spironolactone, nitroglycerin, hydralazine, diltiazem, antiparasitic
products (including heartworm prevention), antibiotics (metronidazole,
cephalexin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, fluoroquinolones), topical ophthalmic
and otic products, famotidine, theophylline, levothyroxine sodium,
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, metoclopramide, and butorphanol, and in dogs
on sodium-restricted diets.Loose stools and vomiting were
infrequent and self-limiting.Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
veterinarian
Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 59-86°°F (15-30°C). Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedical
Rx Medication Sold Only To Licensed Veterinarians & Pharmacies. Current License Must Be On File Prior To Shipping.
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