Question 1

What is Pimobendan used for?

Accepted Answer

Pimobendan is indicated for: CHF (acute decompensation, loading dose), CHF (DCM, MMVD stage B2+), Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Pre-clinical MMVD (EPIC trial B2).

Question 2

What routes can Pimobendan be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Pimobendan dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Pimobendan dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 1 species: Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Pimobendan a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Pimobendan is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Pimobendan?

Accepted Answer

Give on empty stomach (1 hour before food). Contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and aortic stenosis. Monitor for arrhythmias. Standard of care for canine DCM and MMVD (stage B2+).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Pimobendan?

Accepted Answer

Give on empty stomach (1 hour before food). Contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and aortic stenosis. Monitor for arrhythmias. Standard of care for canine DCM and MMVD (stage B2+).

Question 7

How does Pimobendan work?

Accepted Answer

Dual mechanism: inhibits phosphodiesterase III (vasodilation) and sensitizes cardiac troponin C to calcium (positive inotropy without increased oxygen demand).

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.25–0.3 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	EPIC Trial; Plumb's 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.2–0.3 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Pimobendan

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Pimobendan dosing data (8 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 8 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 8 cited rules)

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Other formulations of Pimobendan