Vetmedin Pimobendan: Advanced Heart Care

Vetmedin Solution- Pimobendan Oral Solution is a prescription drug used to support canine heart health. Indicated for the treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) occurring due to either dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or chronic mitral valve disease (MVD), Vetmedin increases heart function through positive inotropic and lusitropic action. This oral solution is easy to administer and thus perfect for those canines that need precise dosing and support in heart disease management. Vetmedin works by dilating the blood vessels and decreasing the workload on the heart. It helps your dog maintain a better quality of life and improved comfort.

Vetmedin Solution is a companion animal drug indicated for the management of congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy or mitral valve disease in dogs. It acts by dilating veins and arteries, leading to an improvement in heart function, and circulation, and a reduced workload on the heart. Being a trusted choice amongst veterinarians, Vetmedin helps to improve the quality of life for dogs with heart conditions and is, therefore, an incredibly important part of managing heart disease. Consult with your veterinarian regarding whether the Vetmedin Solution is best suited to support your dog's heart health journey.

Key Benefits:

• Improvement in functioning of the heart: The active ingredient Pimobendan helps the heart pump more efficiently. It does this through two mechanisms: one, by dilating the blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart, hence decreasing the amount of work the heart needs to do; secondly, by increasing the contraction of the heart muscle, which enhances the heart's pumping function.
• Improved Quality of Life and Life Expectancy: Vetmedin significantly increases the quality of life and prolongs life expectancy in dogs suffering from diagnosed congestive heart failure as part of a broad therapeutic regimen.
• Oral Solution Form: The liquid formulation can be easier to administer to pets who are difficult to pill. It can be measured precisely based on the weight of the dog and the severity of the condition for accurate dosing.
• Fast Acting: Vetmedin starts working rapidly to improve heart function, which is very important in CHF dogs since rapid improvement in clinical signs can substantially enhance comfort and activity levels.
• Veterinary Recommended: Most veterinarians recommend it for dogs suffering from CHF, given its effectiveness and the critical role it plays in managing the disease.
• Well-tolerated: Though all medicines have some side effects, Vetmedin is generally well-tolerated by most dogs when used under veterinary guidance.

Dosage & Administration:

Always provide the Client Information Sheet to the dog owner with each prescription. VETMEDIN Solution should be administered orally at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight. The total daily dose should be divided into 2 equal portions administered approximately 12 hours apart (i.e., morning and evening).

The syringe is calibrated to deliver the appropriate morning or evening dose when drawn to the dog’s nearest weight in pounds.

VETMEDIN Solution should be administered directly into the mouth. Do not mix into food.

• Vetmedin Solution includes an amber glass bottle sealed with a white cap, an orange cap with an integrated plastic plug, and an orange dosing syringe.
• Do not shake the bottle before or during use to avoid foaming.

VETMEDIN Solution should be administered using the orange dosing syringe provided in the package. At the time of first use, the white cap should be removed and discarded. Once the orange cap has been screwed onto the bottle and the integrated plastic plug is in place, the dosing syringe fits onto the plug. The dosing syringe has 1-pound incremental marks. Each dose should be rounded to the nearest 1-pound increment (e.g., a dose for a dog 5.5 lb or greater should be rounded up to 6 lb).

Close the bottle tightly using the orange cap. After administration, clean the outside of the syringe by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth or tissue after each use. If the syringe clogs, rinse without removing the plunger by using water and wiping the outside of the syringe dry with a clean cloth or tissue.

Contraindications:

VETMEDIN Solution 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.

Warnings:

User Safety 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. Wash hands after use. This product may cause eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, flush the affected eye(s) immediately and thoroughly with water. If wearing contact lenses, flush the eyes first with water and then remove the lens(es) and continue to flush thoroughly with water. If eye irritation continues, seek medical advice and provide this product information to the physician. Exposure to a product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.

Animal Safety Warnings:

Keep VETMEDIN Solution in a secure location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose. Only for use in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure. At 3 and 5 times the recommended dosage, administered over 6 months, pimobendan caused an exaggerated hemodynamic response in the normal dog heart, which was associated with cardiac pathology.

Precautions:

The safety of VETMEDIN Solution has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or heart failure caused by etiologies other than MMVD or DCM. The safe use of VETMEDIN Solution 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:

The safety and effectiveness of the Vetmedin Solution were established by demonstrating bioequivalence with VETMEDIN Chewable Tablets.

FAQ

What is Vetmedin Solution used for?

Vetmedin is used to treat CHF in dogs, which is usually caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic mitral valve disease (MVD).

How does the Vetmedin Solution work?

Pimobendan, the active ingredient, increases the contractility of the heart while dilating blood vessels, thus making it easier for the blood to pass through; the heart therefore has less workload.

How often should I give my dog Vetmedin?

Vetmedin is usually given twice a day, 12 hours apart, but follow the instructions of your veterinarian for specific dosing.

Can I give Vetmedin Solution with food?

Vetmedin works best on an empty stomach, but follow the guidance of your vet concerning this matter.

Is Vetmedin safe for all dogs?

Vetmedin is generally safe, when used as directed, and is indicated only in dogs with specific heart conditions. Consult with your vet before starting treatment.

How do I measure the dose correctly?

Vetmedin Solution is generally supplied with a syringe or dropper to help you accurately dispense the liquid. Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Are there any side effects with Vetmedin?

Some dogs will show mild side effects such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and/or lethargy. Consult with your veterinarian if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Can I discontinue Vetmedin if my dog appears to be improving?

No, heart medicines mustn't be discontinued with a veterinarian's advice. Their abrupt discontinuation may worsen your dog's disease condition.

Does Vetmedin cure heart diseases?

Vetmedin is not used to cure heart diseases but is a symptom-management drug to help maintain a good quality of life for canine patients suffering from heart conditions.

Does one need a prescription to administer Vetmedin?

Yes, Vetmedin is a prescription-based medication and must be administered strictly under veterinary discretion.