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Dual-acting inodilator

First and only FDA-approved veterinary inodilator^1-3

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

Important safety information

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

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.

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 atrioventricularvalvular 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. The most common side effects reported in field studies were poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, dyspnea, azotemia, weakness, and ataxia. If side effects should occur, pet owners should contact their veterinarian. Please refer to the Full Prescribing Information here.