VETMEDIN CHEW 5 MG — Pimobendan— Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma

Medication Summary

Medication Summary: This section summarizes DailyMed drug label information to make the label easier to understand. It is not a substitute for the official label, pharmacist counseling, prescriber instructions, or medical advice.

Overview

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) chewable tablets are a cardiac drug for oral use in dogs only. The tablets are available in scored strengths, including 5 mg, and are intended to be given only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

According to the label, VETMEDIN is indicated to help delay the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). It is also indicated for the management of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to clinical MMVD or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The label states that the daily dose is 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) body weight, divided into 2 portions given about 12 hours apart. The tablets may be given as whole or half tablets to match the prescribed dose.

VETMEDIN should not be used in dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, Stage A or B1 preclinical MMVD, or other conditions where increasing cardiac output is not appropriate. The label also notes that safety has not been established in several other groups of dogs, including those younger than 6 months old and pregnant or lactating bitches.

Key Counseling Points

• Use only in dogs and only as directed by a veterinarian.
• The tablet is chewable and scored; the dose may be given as whole or half tablets.
• The label dose is 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) per day, split into 2 doses about 12 hours apart.
• Do not use in dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, Stage A or B1 preclinical MMVD, or other conditions where increasing cardiac output is inappropriate.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children and other animals.
• Do not use in humans.
• Possible adverse reactions reported in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy, coughing, dyspnea, syncope, collapse, arrhythmias, and seizures.
• The label recommends regular rechecks and owner awareness of signs such as coughing or tachypnea.
• Tell the veterinarian about any concurrent heart medicines or other treatments, as concurrent therapy may be used case by case.
• Store securely to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.

Helpful Patient Education

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) chewable tablets are a prescription veterinary cardiac medicine for dogs only. The DailyMed label describes use in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease to help delay the onset of congestive heart failure, and in dogs with mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure due to clinical MMVD or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Educational label information for VETMEDIN includes oral dosing by body weight, usually divided into two doses about 12 hours apart, and important contraindications and precautions. Reported adverse reactions in dogs have included gastrointestinal upset, decreased appetite, lethargy, coughing, dyspnea, arrhythmias, syncope, and other clinical findings.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-06-15 14:17:41