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).
Special precautions for use in animals
The product should only be used in dogs with cardiac insufficiency. Do not exceed the recommend dosage.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.
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. Therefore, Vetmedin capsules should only be administered to pregnant and lactating bitches if the expected therapeutic benefits outweigh the potential risk.
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.