Why has my veterinarian prescribed Pimobendan for my dog?
Pimobendan is used to treat congestive heart failure in dogs. This medication helps to strengthen the muscular contractions of the heart and dilates blood vessels.
How do I give Pimobendan to my dog?
- Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- Give the medication approximately one hour before feeding.
- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
- DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
- DO NOT stop giving this medicine without checking with your veterinarian.
- Contact your veterinarian ahead of time if your dog requires medication refills.
What 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 your dog two doses at once. Contact your veterinarian if you miss giving doses for two or more days in a row.
How do I store Pimobendan?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place below 30oC. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
Are there any potential side effects?
- The following side effects have been reported with Pimobendan: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, changes in behavior (e.g. uneasiness, incoordination, convulsions), drinking or urinating excessively, or rapid beating of the heart. Contact your veterinarian if these adverse effects occur.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
What are some possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving to your dog.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- Effective treatment of congestive heart failure generally requires the use of multiple medications and pimobendan has been tested and safely used with various cardiac medications including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics.
- The following list of medicines may potentially interact with pimobendan: other positive inotropes and drugs that are highly protein bound. Concurrent use of beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may decrease the effects of pimobendan.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
REMEMBER! READ THE LABEL.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
