Below is the product datasheet. This has been provided by the manufacturer and should always be provided with the medication. For a non-technical article, please click the link in the blue bar above.
 
 

Introduction

vet00301
Company name: Boehringer Ingelheim Limited
Address: Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 8YS
Telephone: Sales & Marketing Enquiries 01344 746959
Telephone: Technical Enquiries 01344 746957
Fax: 01344 741349

Presentation

Hard gelatin capsules orange to brown in colour, containing 5 mg pimobendan per capsule.
Excipients: Titanium Dioxide (E171) 1.2320 mg/capsule and Sunset Yellow (E110) 0.3080 mg/capsule.

Uses

For the treatment of canine congestive heart failure originating from dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency (mitral and/or tricuspid regurgitation). When used in cases of valvular insufficiency in conjunction with frusemide the product has been shown to improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy in treated dogs. When used in a limited number of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in conjunction with frusemide, enalapril and digoxin, the product has been shown to improve the quality of life and to extend life expectancy in treated dogs.

Dosage and administration

See dosing table below.

Vetmedin 5 mg Capsules Dosage Guide
Bodyweight (kg)
Daily Dosage (mg)
Morning
Evening
21-40
10
1
1
41-60
20
2
2
>60
30
3
3

Vetmedin capsules should be administered orally (approximately one hour before feeding) at a dose of 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg pimobendan/kg body weight per day. The daily dose should be divided into two equal administrations, one half of the dose given in the morning and the other half approximately 12 hours later.
Determine the bodyweight accurately before prescribing to ensure administration of the correct dosage.
In cases of mild congestive heart failure, a daily dosage at the lower end of the dose range may be adequate. If, however, a clear response is not observable within one week, the dosage should be raised.
Vetmedin capsules may be combined with a diuretic treatment such as frusemide.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Vetmedin capsules should not be used in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies or clinical conditions where an augmentation of cardiac output is not possible for functional or anatomical reasons (e.g. aortic stenosis). The product should only be used in dogs with cardiac insufficiency.
Do not exceed the recommend dosage.
A moderate positive chronotropic effect and vomiting may occur in rare cases. However, these effects are dose-dependent and may be avoided by reducing the dose in these cases. In rare cases transient diarrhoea, anorexia or lethargy have been observed.
In studies with rats and rabbits, pimobendan had no effect on fertility and embryotoxic effects occurred only at maternotoxic doses. In experiments with rats it has been shown that pimobendan is excreted into milk. No information is available on the safety of Vetmedin in pregnant and lactating bitches.
The pimobendan-induced increase in contractility of the heart is attenuated in the presence of the calcium antagonist verapamil and the β-antagonist propranolol. In pharmacological studies no interaction between the cardiac glycoside ouabain and pimobendan was detected.
In the case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be initiated.
User precautions
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
For animal treatment only.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Do not store above 25°C.
Store in a dry place.
Store in tightly closed original container.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Legal category

POM-V

Packaging Quantities

100 capsules of 5 mg capsules packed in white child-resistant polypropylene bottles.

Further information

Pimobendan, a benzimidazole-pyridazinone derivative, is a non-sympathomimetic, non-glycoside inotropic substance with potent vasodilatative properties.
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pimobendan exerts its stimulatory myocardial effect by a dual mode of action: it increases calcium sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments and inhibits phosphodiesterase (type III). It also exhibits a vasodilatory action through inhibition of phosphodiesterase III activity
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Absorption
Following oral administration of Vetmedin capsules the absolute bioavailability of the active principle is 60 – 63%. Since this bioavailability is considerably reduced when pimobendan is administered with food or shortly thereafter, it is recommended to treat animals approximately 1 hour before feeding.
Distribution The volume of distribution is 2.61/kg, indicating that pimobendan is distributed readily into the tissues. The mean plasma protein binding is 93%
Metabolism
The compound is oxidatively demethylated to its major active metabolite (UD-CG12). Further metabolic pathways are phase II conjugates of UD-CG 212, in essence glucuronides and sulphates.
Elimination The plasma elimination half-life of pimobendan is 0.4±0.1 hours which is consistent with a high clearance of 90±19 ml/min/kg and a short mean residence time of 0.5 ± 0.1hours.
The main active metabolite is eliminated with a plasma elimination half-life of 2.0 ± 0.3 hours. Almost the entire dose is eliminated via faeces.

Marketing authorisation number

Vm 00015/4050 Vetmedin 5 mg Capsules.

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