Vetmedin 5 mg (Pimobendan)  Chewable Tablets for Dogs, 50 tablets (5 blisters)

Pimobendan 5 mg for dogs

Brown, oval chewable tablet that divides and has a break line on both sides.

Storage

One tablet (0.8 g) contains the active substance:

pimobendan – 5 mg.

Excipients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate (type A), macrogol 6000, stearoyl macrogol glycerides, dried yeast, liver powder flavoring, talc, talc, stearate.

Pharmacological properties

ATC vet classification code QC01CE90 – Non-glycosidic cardiotonic veterinary drugs. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Pimobendan.

Pimobendan, a derivative of benzimadazole-pyridazinone, has a positive inotropic effect and has pronounced vasodilating (vasodilator) properties.

The positive inotropic effect of pimobendan is due to two mechanisms of action: increased sensitivity to calcium of heart muscle fibers and inhibition of phosphodiesterase III activity. Thus, the positive inotropic effect is not caused by an action similar to the action of cardiac glycosides, nor sympathomimetically. The vasodilating effect is associated with inhibition of phosphodiesterase III activity.

In cases of symptomatic heart valve insufficiency, when used in combination with furosemide, it has been shown that the drug improves the quality and prolongs the life expectancy of dogs treated.

It has been shown that in a limited number of cases, when used in cases of symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy in combination with furosemide, enalapril and digoxin, the drug improves quality and prolongs life expectancy in dogs.

After oral administration of pimobendan, its bioavailability is 60-63%. Because concomitant or previous food intake reduces bioavailability, pimobendan should be administered approximately 1 hour before feeding.

The volume of distribution is 2.6 l / kg, which indicates that pimobendan is evenly distributed in tissues. The average binding to plasma proteins is 93%.

The compound is demethylated by oxidation to the main active metabolite (UD-CG212). Subsequent metabolic steps are conjugates of phase II UD-CG212, such as glucuronides and sulfates.

The plasma half-life of pimobendan is 0.4 ± 0.1 hours, which corresponds to a high clearance of 90 ± 19 ml / min / kg and a short mean retention time of 0.5 ± 0.1 hours. The most significant active metabolite is excreted from blood plasma with a half-life of 2.0 ± 0.3 hours. Almost the entire dose is excreted in the feces.

Application

For the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs weighing 20 kg to 40 kg due to dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency (regurgitation of mitral and / or tricuspid valves).

For the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in the preclinical stage (asymptomatic course with increased end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter of the left ventricle) in Doberman Pinschers after echocardiographic diagnosis of heart disease.

For the treatment of dogs with myxomatous mitral regurgitation (MI) in the preclinical stage (asymptomatic with systolic mitral murmur and signs of increased heart size) to delay the onset of clinical symptoms of heart failure.

Dosage

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the exact body weight of the animal to ensure proper dosing.

Dosage from 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg of pimobendan per 1 kg of body weight should be followed, divided into two doses per day.

The recommended daily dose is 0.5 mg of pimobendan per 1 kg of body weight, divided into two doses.

One chewable tablet (5 mg) in the morning and one chewable tablet (5 mg) in the evening for body weight from 20 kg to 40 kg.

*Kilograms to a Pounds conversion table

Features of application

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

The drug is administered orally.

Apply about an hour before feeding.

The drug can also be used in combination with a diuretic, such as furosemide.

For a more accurate dosage corresponding to the weight of the animal, the tablet can be divided along the fracture line into two halves.

Contraindication

Do not use pimobendan in hypertrophic cardiomyopathies or in clinical conditions where cardiac output cannot be increased due to functional or anatomical features (eg aortic stenosis).

Because pimobendan is metabolised primarily by the liver, the drug should not be used in dogs with severe hepatic impairment.

Side effect

In rare cases, a slight positive chronotropic effect (increased heart rate) and vomiting can be observed. However, these effects are dose-dependent and can be avoided by reducing the dose of the drug.

In rare cases, there are signs of transient diarrhea, loss of appetite or lethargy.

In rare cases, with long-term treatment with pimobendan in dogs with mitral heart disease, there is an increase in mitral regurgitation.

Although the association with pimobendan has not been clearly established, in very rare cases, signs of primary hemostasis (mucosal petechiae, subcutaneous bleeding) may occur during treatment. These symptoms disappear after stopping treatment.

Special precautions for use

Blood glucose levels should be checked regularly when treating dogs with diabetes.

The use of the drug in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in the preclinical stage (asymptomatic with increasing end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter of the left ventricle) should be diagnosed by a comprehensive cardiac examination (including echocardiography and possibly Holter monitoring).

For the use of the drug for the treatment of myxomatous mitral heart disease in the preclinical stage (stage B2, according to the ACVIM consensus: asymptomatic course with mitral murmur> 3/6 and cardiomegaly due to myxomatous mitral heart disease) should be diagnosed by comprehensive physical and cardiological which should include, if necessary, echocardiography or radiography.

Monitoring of cardiac function and morphology in animals receiving pimobendan is recommended.

The tablets are flavored. To avoid accidental ingestion, keep the tablets out of the reach of animals.

Use during pregnancy, lactation, laying

Laboratory studies in rats and rabbits did not reveal any evidence of teratogenic or foetotoxic effects. However, these studies showed a toxic effect on pregnant females and revealed embryotoxic effects when used in high doses, as well as the fact that pimobendan is excreted in milk. The safety of the drug for pregnant and lactating female dogs has not been evaluated. The product should only be used by a veterinarian according to the benefit / risk assessment of the medicinal product.

Interaction with other means and other forms of interaction

In pharmacological studies, no interaction was observed between the cardiac glycoside strophanthin and pimobendan. The increase in cardiac contractility caused by pimobendan is attenuated by calcium antagonists verapamil and diltiazem and the P-antagonist propranolol.

Special warnings

The drug has not been studied in cases of asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) in Dobermans with atrial fibrillation or persistent ventricular tachycardia.

The drug has not been studied in cases of asymptomatic myxomatous mitral heart disease in dogs with significant supraventricular and / or ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Release form

Blister of aluminum foil with sealed seams / PVC / aluminum foil / polyamide, containing 10 tablets.

Cardboard box with 2 blisters of 10 tablets (20 tablets).

Cardboard box with 5 blisters of 10 tablets (50 tablets).

Cardboard box with 10 blisters of 10 tablets (100 tablets).

Storage

Dry dark, inaccessible to children at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

The divided tablets should be returned to the open blister pocket and placed back in the cardboard box.

Expiration date

2 years. Shelf life of divided (halves) tablets after opening the original package 3 days.

For use in veterinary medicine!