In order to address your most frequent inquiries about how medications work, their adverse effects, and which species they are prescribed for, PetMD’s pharmaceutical content was created and evaluated by veterinary professionals. The advice offered by your veterinarian should always be sought first.
What exactly is Vetmedin?
Dogs with valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which results in mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure, are prescribed Vetmedin.
In addition to delaying the onset of congestive heart failure in canines with Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and DCM, studies have demonstrated that dogs using pimobendan, the active ingredient in Vetmedin, may also experience improved quality of life. When treating pets with cardiac issues, Vetmedin is frequently taken in conjunction with other frequently recommended drugs.
Not all forms of heart disease can be treated with Vetmedin. If you want to know if Vetmedin is a good choice for your pet, talk to your veterinarian.
The active ingredient in Vetmedin, pimobendan, may occasionally be prescribed in a compounded formulation by your veterinarian. If an FDA-approved medication (such Vetmedin chewable tablets) cannot be used to treat your pet’s condition for a specific reason, compounded meds will be recommended. Drugs made from scratch are not FDA-approved. They are tailored according to a patient’s needs by either a licensed veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist. Here is more information on compounded drugs.
How Vetmedin Functions
Two ways in which Vetmedin supports heart function. The first effect is vasodilation, which is the relaxing of the blood vessel muscles. This enables the blood arteries in your dog to enlarge and flow more freely. Vascular enlargement lessens blood recirculation, which prevents inappropriate fluid buildup in the body and/or lungs. The blood supply to organs is improved by artery widening, which also lessens the resistance the heart must overcome when pumping.
To help the heart’s muscular fibers contract more forcefully, Vetmedin also indirectly affects them. This increases the amount of blood that is transferred from the heart to the rest of the body and enables the heart to pump blood forward through the heart.
Directions for using Vetmedin
Observe the instructions on the medication’s label or those that your veterinarian provides. Taking your pet’s weight into account, your veterinarian will decide on the proper dosage. Two doses of this dosage, typically administered 12 hours apart, are frequently used. Be sure to thoroughly follow your veterinarian’s instructions because the morning dose may be different from the evening dose. It is advised to administer Vetmedin on an empty stomach.
The administration of Vetmedin frequently lasts a lengthy time. Without consulting your veterinarian, do not discontinue giving your pet Vetmedin.
Have you missed a dose?
To find out what to do if you forget to administer a dosage of Vetmedin, consult your veterinarian. Typically, they may encourage you to provide the medication as soon as you are reminded. Your veterinarian may advise you to forgo the missed dose and resume your regular dosing plan if it is almost time for your next dose. Typically, your veterinarian will advise against giving extra or double doses.
Possible Side Effects of Vetmedin
The most frequent adverse effects are digestive disturbances, which include diarrhea and a loss of appetite.
These additional negative effects are possible:
- A reduction in energy (lethargy)
- Trouble breathing
- Enhanced kidney enzyme levels
- Weakness
- Coordination issues
- Side Effects on People
This drug should never be used on humans. Seek emergency medical attention or dial the National Poison Control Center hotline if you mistakenly consume a pet’s medication.
Monitoring
Depending on your pet’s specific needs, any other medications they may be on, and/or the problem that led to the prescription for this medication, your veterinarian may advise routine testing. A chest radiograph (x-ray), an electrocardiogram (to track heart electrical activity), a blood pressure reading, and/or echocardiography are all possible recommendations for monitoring.
Call your veterinarian if:
- There are serious negative effects (see above)
- Treatment worsens or has no effect on your pet’s condition
- You witness or suspect a drug overdose.
- You have further queries or worries about using Vetmedin.
Information on overdoses of Vetmedin
Vetmedin overdoses can result in life-threatening consequences. Blood pressure irregularities and rapid heartbeats can happen. During safety trials, it was discovered that dogs who received an overdose also experienced abnormal heart rhythms and anatomical abnormalities to the heart. When an overdose happens, immediate medical attention is frequently required.
Immediately seek emergency veterinarian care or get in touch with an animal poison control center if you suspect an overdose. Often, consultation fees are charged.
Storage for Vetmedin
Vetmedin must be kept between 68° and 77°F in a controlled environment, while brief exposure to temperatures between 59° and 86°F is permitted. Maintain a tight seal on the container to keep out moisture and light. Always check the label to validate the storage requirements.
Medication that has been compounded should be stored in accordance with the compounding pharmacy’s label.
Keep out of children’s and animals’ reach.
Petmedin FAQs
How quickly does Vetmedin (pimodendan) start working?
Within one to two hours of administration, Vetmedin begins to function within the body of your pet. The results, though, might not be felt right away. According to one study, dogs using Vetmedin experienced a significant 7-day improvement in their heart failure symptoms. To help lessen the symptoms of congestive heart failure, your veterinarian could recommend additional drugs.
How long does Vetmedin (pimobendane) last in a dog?
According to the VetSCOPE trial from 2006, dogs with acquired atrioventricular valve disease who received Vetmedin lived around three times as long as those who received benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. In this trial, the dogs that received Vetmedin treatment lasted an average of 13 months. The benazepril-treated canines had an average lifespan of 4.5 months.
Buy Vetmedin
If you’re to buy Vetmedin, Better You Rx understands that pets deserve the same level of care and attention as humans. When it comes to healthcare, the well-being of our beloved pets is just as important as our own. Pets are not just animals; they become integral members of our families. Like humans, they also require medical attention and care to ensure they live healthy and fulfilling lives. Better You Rx has recognized this need and has gone beyond the conventional to provide a comprehensive range of medications not only for humans but also for our furry friends. We offer both brand name and generic equivalents. What truly sets Better You Rx apart is their dedication to catering to the medical needs of our pets.
