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Pimobendan

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Pimobendan is used to treat congestive heart failure in dogs.  This medication helps to strengthen the muscular contractions of the heart and dilates blood vessels.

How do I give this medication?pimobendan-1

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • Give the medication approximately one hour before feeding.
  • Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.
  • DO NOT stop giving this medicine without checking with your veterinarian.
  • To avoid running out of this medication, contact your veterinarian ahead of time when your pet requires a medication refill. A week's notice should be sufficient.  

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once. Contact your veterinarian if you miss giving doses for two or more days in a row.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place below 30oC. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Are there any potential side effects?

  • The following side effects have been reported with pimobendan: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, changes in behavior (e.g. uneasiness, incoordination, convulsions), drinking or urinating excessively, or rapid beating of the heart. Contact your veterinarian if these adverse effects occur.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What are some possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian if you are giving your pet any other medication or supplements.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. If this occurs, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely. Effective treatment of congestive heart failure generally requires the use of multiple medications and pimobendan has been tested and safely used with various cardiac medications including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics.
  • The following list of medicines may potentially interact with pimobendan: other positive inotropes and drugs that are highly protein bound. Concurrent use of beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may decrease the effects of pimobendan.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 28, 2016.