Pimobendan [pharmacological action] PharmacodynamicsPimobendan is a non-glycosidic cardiotonic drug. It is a non-sympathomimetic non-glycosidic positive inotropic drug that exerts positive inotropic effects by enhancing the sensitivity of myocardial fibres to calcium ions and inhibiting phosphodiesterase (type 111) activity, while acting as a vasodilator by inhibiting phosphodiesterase. The combination of pimobendan with diuretics such as Botox is effective in improving quality of life and prolonging life expectancy in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy or cardiac valve closure insufficiency. When used alone for the treatment of preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy (asymptomatic, echocardiographically diagnosed with increased end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters of the left ventricle) in large breed dogs, pimobendan may delay the age at which heart failure or sudden death occurs and prolong survival. [Indications] For the treatment of canine congestive heart failure caused by cardiac valvular insufficiency (mitral and or tricuspid regurgitation) or dilated cardiomyopathy; for the treatment of preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy (asymptomatic with echocardiographic diagnosis of increased end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters of the left ventricle) in large dogs; for the treatment of preclinical mucinomatous mitral valve disease (asymptomatic cardiac systolic mitral murmur and cardiomegaly) and to delay the onset of clinical signs of congestive heart failure. [Dosage and Administration] As pimobendan. Internally: 0.25mg per 1kg body weight in dogs, twice a day.
