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Pimobendan

PrescriptionCDSCO approved

Positive inotrope / vasodilator (inodilator) — phosphodiesterase III inhibitor + calcium sensitiser

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog

Brands

3 available

Interactions

6 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Increases myocardial contractility by sensitising troponin C to calcium and inhibiting PDE III; also causes vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload

At a glance

Class

Positive inotrope / vasodilator (inodilator) — phosphodiesterase III inhibitor + calcium sensitiser

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C. Give 1 hour before food for optimal absorption.

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved — 2007-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Congestive heart failure (DMVD, DCM)

Dose

0.2–0.3 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

10 mg/dose; 20 mg/day

Duration: Lifelong — give 1 hour before food

Pre-clinical DMVD (EPIC trial — stage B2)

Dose

0.2–0.3 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID

Max dose

10 mg/dose; 20 mg/day

Duration: Lifelong — delays onset of CHF

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Chewable tablet — 4

Strength

1.25mg

Available in India

Strength

2.5mg

Available in India

Strength

5mg

Available in India

Strength

10mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C. Give 1 hour before food for optimal absorption.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Positive inotrope worsens dynamic outflow tract obstruction — CONTRAINDICATED in cats with HCM
Aortic stenosis / subaortic stenosis
Increased pressure gradient across stenosis
BoxerGolden RetrieverGerman Shepherd

Use with caution

Cats (general)
Very limited feline data; most feline heart disease is HCM where pimobendan is contraindicated
Arrhythmias
May potentiate tachyarrhythmias

Adverse effects

Common

Increased appetite

Diarrhoea

Lethargy (transient)

Serious

Arrhythmias

Sudden death (in non-cardiac disease)

Increased mitral regurgitation

Monitoring parameters

EchocardiographyHeart rate and rhythmRespiratory rate (resting, <30/min target)Renal functionAppetite and activity level

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Propranolol

major

Pimobendan's positive inotropic effect is partially mediated by calcium sensitization. Beta-blockers (negative inotropes) directly oppose this, potentially precipitating heart failure decompensation.

Management: Generally avoid combining positive inotrope with beta-blocker in decompensated CHF. If used for arrhythmia control, start beta-blocker at very low dose with careful titration.

Moderate — 2

Atenolol

moderate

Pimobendan is a positive inotrope; beta-blockers have negative inotropic effects. Opposing cardiac actions.

Management: Generally avoid concurrent use in systolic dysfunction. May be acceptable in specific arrhythmia cases with cardiology guidance.

Diltiazem

moderate

Diltiazem is a negative inotrope (calcium channel blocker) that may partially oppose pimobendan's positive inotropy. However, commonly combined in practice for DCM + atrial fibrillation.

Management: Used together clinically under cardiologist supervision. Monitor echocardiographic response.

Minor — 3

Benazepril

minor

Standard CHF combination. Complementary mechanisms — pimobendan (inodilator) + ACE inhibitor (afterload reduction). No pharmacokinetic interaction.

Management: First-line combination for DMVD stage B2/C per ACVIM consensus. Monitor renal function and blood pressure.

Furosemide

minor

Standard CHF triple therapy. Complementary mechanisms. No significant pharmacokinetic interaction.

Management: Cornerstone CHF therapy. Monitor renal function and electrolytes.

Atropine Sulfate

minor

Atropine-induced tachycardia increases myocardial oxygen demand in patients with heart disease. Pimobendan already increases inotropy/chronotropy.

Management: Use atropine cautiously in cardiac patients on pimobendan. Glycopyrrolate (no CNS effects) may be preferred preanesthetic anticholinergic.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Vetmedin

Boehringer Ingelheim

Cardisure

Dechra

India

Pimocard

Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Pimobendan?

Pimobendan is a positive inotrope / vasodilator (inodilator) — phosphodiesterase iii inhibitor + calcium sensitiser used in pets. Increases myocardial contractility by sensitising troponin C to calcium and inhibiting PDE III; also causes vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload

›What is Pimobendan used for in pets?

Pimobendan is used in veterinary medicine for: Congestive heart failure (DMVD, DCM); Pre-clinical DMVD (EPIC trial — stage B2).

›What is the Pimobendan dose for dogs?

For dogs, Pimobendan is typically dosed as follows — Congestive heart failure (DMVD, DCM): 0.2–0.3 mg/kg PO BID; Pre-clinical DMVD (EPIC trial — stage B2): 0.2–0.3 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Pimobendan?

Common: Increased appetite, Diarrhoea, Lethargy (transient). Serious (call your vet immediately): Arrhythmias, Sudden death (in non-cardiac disease), Increased mitral regurgitation.

›Does Pimobendan need a prescription?

Yes. Pimobendan is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Pimobendan not be used?

Do not use Pimobendan if: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); Aortic stenosis / subaortic stenosis.

Educational reference only

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 2

Pimobendan 5mg tablet

M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Ltd · Approved 17.06.2019

for the treatment of canine congestive heart failure originating from dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency m

Pimobendan chewable tablets 1.25 mg 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg brand name cardisure Fla

M/s Panav Bio-Tech, · Approved 20.04.2022

For treatment of canine congestive heart failure orginating from valvular insufficiency mitral and /or tricuspid regurgi

Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database