VETMEDIN CHEW 2.5MG — 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 medicine for oral use in dogs only. It is available as oblong, half-scored chewable tablets containing 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg pimobendan per tablet.

The label says 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 managing the signs of mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to clinical MMVD or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The medication is given by mouth at a total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) and is usually divided into two portions about 12 hours apart, morning and evening. The tablet score lines allow dosing to the nearest half-tablet increment.

The label warns not to use VETMEDIN in humans, and it should be kept out of reach of children and other animals. It should not be given in certain heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis, or in dogs with Stage A or B1 preclinical MMVD.

Key Counseling Points

• Use only in dogs and only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• Give by mouth at the prescribed total daily dose of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg).
• The daily dose is usually split into 2 portions about 12 hours apart.
• Use whole or half tablets as directed; the tablets are scored for half-tablet dosing.
• Do not use in dogs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or other conditions where increased cardiac output is not appropriate.
• Do not use in dogs with Stage A or B1 preclinical MMVD.
• Keep the medicine securely out of reach of children, dogs, cats, and other animals.
• Contact a veterinarian if a dog shows signs such as coughing or rapid breathing, since these may be signs of congestive heart failure.
• The label reports vomiting and diarrhea as common non-cardiac adverse reactions, and cough, lethargy, and inappetence as commonly reported findings.
• If accidental human ingestion occurs, the label says to consult a physician immediately.

Helpful Patient Education

VETMEDIN (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets are a prescription veterinary cardiac medicine for oral use in dogs only. According to the DailyMed label, this product is indicated for delaying the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with Stage B2 preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and for managing signs of congestive heart failure due to clinical MMVD or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

The chewable tablets are half-scored and supplied in multiple strengths, including 2.5 mg. Label directions describe a total daily dose given by mouth and divided into two doses about 12 hours apart. The product is not for human use and should be used only under veterinary direction, with attention to labeled contraindications, precautions, and reported adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, cough, lethargy, and inappetence.

Medication Summary last generated: 2026-06-15 14:17:23