Last Updated: 07/05/2025
Pimobendan (Vetmedin/Cardisure) Medication Guide
Learn all about the use of Vetmedin/Cardisure in pets: how it works it's uses side effects and more.
Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 21 minutes - medium read
Last Updated: 07/05/2025
Learn all about the use of Vetmedin/Cardisure in pets: how it works it's uses side effects and more.
Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 21 minutes - medium read
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How it works and what it's used for
Pimobendan produces both positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects. It increases the contractility of heart muscles through calcium sensitivity and phosphodiesterase inhibition. Phosphodiesterase inhibition also promotes arterial and venous dilation, thereby reducing the force against which the heart has to contract to eject blood into the arteries, and the amount the heart muscles need to stretch (to fill the ventricle of the heart) before it contracts. Thus Pimobendan increases the strength of the contraction of the heart and reduces its workload.
Pimobendan has been shown to increase both the quality of life and survival time of dogs with DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) or heart failure due to valvular insufficiency such as MVD (mitral valve disease). It is indicated for use in dogs with CHF (chronic heart failure) from DCM and valvular insufficiencies (mitral valve and tricuspid valve). It is also indicated for use in preclinical DCM in large breed dogs like Doberman Pinschers.
Pimobendan is not registered for use in cats, but it has been used off label by veterinary cardiologists to treat certain cardiac conditions in cats. It's use in dogs for conditions other than those listed above and it's use in cats is off-label (meaning that it has not been registered in these cases), but it may be prescribed for other conditions as well. In these cases, please follow the directions of your treating Veterinarian closely.
Pimobendan comes in a few different forms as follows: tablets (CorMedin), capsules (Vetmedin), chewable tablets (Vetmedin, Cardisure) or as an oral liquid (Vetmedin).
All forms need to be given to your dog by mouth twice a day on an empty stomach, approximately 1 hour before food. Ideally give the medication your dog morning and evening, roughly 12 hours apart. The chewable tablets are usually readily consumed by dogs when offered as a treat. If not voluntarily eaten, the chewable tablets can be given as a tablet directly into the dog's mouth.
The tablets and chewable tablets are scored, allowing them to be halved. They come in bottles (Vetmedin, CorMedin) or Blister Packs (Cardisure). The capsules (Vetmedin) come in a bottle as does the Vetmedin oral liquid.
This depends on they severity of heart disease and every dog is different. Usually you will see improvements within a week of your dog starting pimobendan.
If your dog has an asymptomatic heart disease or is in the early stages of heart disease, you are less likely to notice any changes.
If you are concerned that there are no noticeable changes please contact your veterinarian.
Pimobendan is well tolerated in most dogs but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are:
Other potential side effects include:
If you are concerned about your dog for any reason, please refer to the adverse reactions section on the package leaflet or contact your veterinarian for advice.
The following medications may interact with Pimobendan :
It is extremely important to let your veterinarian know of any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) your dog is taking.
You should wash your hands immediately after handling Pimobendan.
This medication should be stored in the original packaging in a cool dry area protected from moisture and light. It should be stored out of reach of animals and children.
If from a bottle, half-tablets should be stored in the bottle with cap sealed and used within 60 days. If from a blister pack, half tablets should be stored in the opened blister and the blister returned to the carton, and these half-tablets should be used within 3 days.
Accidental ingestion of pimobendan can be harmful for children. To avoid accidental ingestion, administer the medication to your dog immediately after removal from the package, and observe your dog closely to ensure that the entire dose has been consumed. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
The recommended dose of Pimobendan is a total daily dose of 0.2mg - 0.6 mg/kg body weight, divided into two daily doses administered 12 hours apart. It is crucial that you follow your Veterinarian's specific instructions regarding dosage for your individual pet.
If you miss giving your dog a dose of Pimobendan, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the dosing schedule as normal - do not give two doses at once.
Do not stop giving your dog Pimobendan without first discussing it with your veterinarian. Any cessation or change to your dog's medication should only be done under the close supervision and recommendation of your treating Veterinarian.
If you know or suspect your dog has had an overdose of Pimobendan, we recommend that you contact your treating veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
It is important for your dog to have regular check ups with their vet while taking Pimobendan. This allows the veterinarian to monitor your dog's heart condition, and make changes to the medication as needed. Your veterinarian will let you know how frequently they would like to see your pet and his may change depending on how stable your dog's heart condition is.
Pimobendan is available in several brands for dogs in Australia:
Related medicines:
References:
