Pimobendan (INN, or pimobendane), sold under the brand name Vetmedin among others, is a veterinary medication. It is a calcium sensitizer and a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) with positive inotropic and vasodilator effects.
Pimobendan is used in the management of heart failure in dogs, most commonly caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease (also previously known as endocardiosis), or dilated cardiomyopathy. Research has shown that as a monotherapy, pimobendan increases survival time and improves quality of life in canine patients with congestive heart failure secondary to mitral valve disease when compared with benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. Under the brand name Acardi, it is available for human use in Japan. It is available as a generic medication.
Pimobendan is a medication commonly prescribed to dogs with certain heart conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as inodilators, which simultaneously improve cardiac contractility and dilate blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow.
Medical uses: Pimobendan treats congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. It can be used with other heart failure treatments. It is also used to delay congestive heart failure in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease.
How it works: Pimobendan helps the heart beat stronger. It makes the heart muscle more sensitive to calcium. In normal hearts, it increases oxygen and energy use as much as dobutamine does. In diseased hearts, it may not. Pimobendan also makes the blood vessels in the body wider by stopping PDE3 from working. This makes it easier for blood to flow through the body, which helps the heart work better and reduces the amount of mitral regurgitation.
Abstract. Pimobendan has a dual mechanism of action: it increases myocardial contractility by increasing calcium sensitization to troponin C and it promotes vasodilation by inhibiting PDEIII.
The most common side effects include gastrointestinal effects such as decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include lethargy and difficulty breathing This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
What is the best medication for a dog with a heart murmur?
An inotrope (drugs that help to strengthen the pumping of the heart and lower pressure in the arteries and veins) may be prescribed. Vetmedin is the most common medication used in veterinary medicine. Another thing you can do at this stage is to switch to prescription dog food.