Dual-acting inodilator
First and only FDA-approved veterinary inodilator1-3
VETMEDIN is a novel cardiac pharmaceutical known as an inodilator, because it has
both positive inotropic and balanced vasodilatory properties.1,2,4,5
These properties are highly desirable in the clinical management of congestive
heart failure resulting from atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (AVVI) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).5
How dual-acting inodilation works
Dual modes of action—increasing cardiac muscle contractility and dilating blood
vessels—enable VETMEDIN to effectively help alleviate signs of heart failure in
cardiac patients.3
2 modes of action of VETMEDIN
VETMEDIN is a positive inotrope
VETMEDIN strengthens heart muscle contractility to effectively increase cardiac
output.3-5 VETMEDIN achieves this inotropic effect by enhancing calcium
sensitivity within myocardial fibers (and without increasing oxygen consumption).
Overstimulation of the compensatory mechanisms—the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)—are
reduced through negative feedback.4,6,7
The inotropic effect of VETMEDIN
VETMEDIN is a potent and balanced vasodilator4
As a balanced vasodilator, VETMEDIN simultaneously dilates both arteries and
veins to decrease resistance to blood flow.3,4 Venous vasodilation reduces preload,
effectively minimizing congestion in the body’s tissues making it possible to reduce
the required dose of diuretics.6 Arterial vasodilation reduces afterload, easing the
failing heart’s workload and increasing tissue perfusion throughout the body.6
How VETMEDIN works as a vasodilator
Important safety information
VETMEDIN should not be given in case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or any other clinical condition where an augmentation of cardiac output is inappropriate for functional or anatomical reasons.
The safety of VETMEDIN has not been established in dogs with asymptomatic heart disease or in heart failure caused by etiologies other than atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. The safe use of VETMEDIN has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs with congenital heart defects, dogs with diabetes mellitus or other serious metabolic diseases, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating bitches. Use only in dogs with clinical evidence of heart failure.
References:
1. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [Freedom of Information
Summary]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2007.
2. VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets [package insert]. St. Joseph,
MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2007.
3. US Food and Drug Administration. CVM update: FDA approves new drug
for heart failure in dogs: May 16, 2007. Available at: www.fda.gov/
animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm048033.htm. Accessed
January 22, 2011.
4. Van Meel JCA, Diederen W. Hemodynamic profile of the cardiotonic agent
pimobendan. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1989;14(Suppl 29):S1–S6.
5. Gordon SG, Miller MW, Saunders AB. Pimobendan in heart failure—a silver
bullet? J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(2):90–93.
6. Pagel PS, Hettrick DA, Warltier DC. Influence of levosimendan,
pimobendan, and milrinone on the regional distribution of cardiac output
in anaesthetized dogs. Br J Pharmacol. 1996;119(3):609–615.
7. Luis Fuentes V, Corcoran B, French A, Schober KE, Kleemann R, Justus
C. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of pimobendan
in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med. 2002;16(3):255–
261.
8. Atkins C, Bonagura J, Ettinger S, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of canine chronic valvular heart disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2009;23(6):1142–1150.