Pimobendan
Pimobendan is a cardiac inodilator.
Group
Cardiac inodilator
Mechanism of Action
Sensitizes cardiac contractile proteins to calcium and inhibits phosphodiesterase III, combining inotropy with vasodilation.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure | 0.25–0.3 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Heart failure | 0.125 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Lower alternative described when an ACE inhibitor is used. |
| Heart failure | 0.25 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Emergency heart failure adjunct | 0.1–0.3 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Refractory stage D heart failure | 0.3 mg/kg | PO | Every 8 h | Non-consensus intensification described by some specialists. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart failure | 1.25 mg/animal | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Heart failure | 0.1–0.3 mg/kg | PO | Every 12 h | Weight-based alternative reported alongside fixed feline dosing. |
| Myocardial failure | 1.25–1.5 mg/animal | PO | Every 12 h |
Indications
- Canine congestive heart failure
- Preclinical stage B2 mitral disease
- Selected feline heart failure
- Heart failure
- Emergency heart failure adjunct
- Refractory stage D heart failure
- Myocardial failure
Contraindications
- Obstructive cardiomyopathy or fixed outflow obstruction
- Arrhythmia-prone patients require caution.
Interactions
- Other phosphodiesterase inhibitors may compound effects.
Adverse effects
- Arrhythmias are possible, especially with severe underlying cardiac disease.
Toxicity
Overdose commonly produces tachycardia and may cause hypotension or arrhythmias. Monitor ECG and blood pressure and provide appropriate cardiovascular support.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pimobendan chewable tablet 1.25 mg | Tablet | 1.25 mg / tablet | PO |
| Pimobendan chewable tablet 2.5 mg | Tablet | 2.5 mg / tablet | PO |
| Pimobendan chewable tablet 5 mg | Tablet | 5 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Assess disease stage and monitor rhythm. Consider other heart-failure therapy according to disease severity. Acidic dissolution properties matter; compounded products may not match proprietary absorption.
Label daily amount 0.5 mg/kg may be split into two not-necessarily-equal portions about 12 hours apart; mathematical equal halves are an alternative only when appropriate to the actual tablet.