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POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

Vetmedin 5 mg Hard Capsules

Active ingredient: Pimobendan

Form

Capsule

Species

Dogs

Manufacturer

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH

VMD MA No.

61700/3010

What it's used for

When used in cases of valvular insufficiency in conjunction with frusemide, the product has been shown to improve the quality of life and extend life expec...

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓
View official SPC (PDF)

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Paying less for Pimobendan

  1. 1

    Ask your vet for a written prescription

    They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.

  2. 2

    Fill it at a registered online retailer

    The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Vetmedin 5 mg Hard Capsules — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 27 Mar 2026.

When used in cases of valvular insufficiency in conjunction with frusemide, the
product has been shown to improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy in
treated dogs.
When used in a limited number of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in conjunction
with frusemide, enalapril and digoxin, the product has been shown to improve the
quality of life and to extend life expectancy in treated dogs.
Vetmedin capsules should be administered orally (approximately one hour before
feeding) at a dose of 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg pimobendan/kg bodyweight perday. The
daily dose should be divided into two equal administrations: onehalf of the dose in
the morning and the other half approximately 12 hours later.
Determine the bodyweight accurately before prescribing to ensure administration of
the correct dosage.
In cases of mild congestive heart failure, a daily dose at the lower end of the dose
range may be adequate. If, however, a clear response is not observable within one
week, the dosage should be raised.
Dosing guide:
Note: for smaller dogs, Vetmedin 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg capsules are more suitable.
Daily Pimobendan Dosage: 0.2 – 0.6 mg/kgNo. of capsules per administrationMorningEveningBody
Weight
(kg)
Daily
Dosage (mg)
1.25 mg2.5 mg5 mg1.25 mg2.5 mg5 mg< 102.51--1--10-205-1--1-21-4010--1--141-6020--2--2> 6030--3--3
This veterinary medical product may be combined with a diuretic treatment such as
frusemide.
Vetmedin capsules should not be used in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies or
clinical conditions where an augmentation of cardiac output is not possible for
functional or anatomical reasons (e.g. aortic stenosis).
Dog:
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals treated):
A moderate positive chronotropic effect
and
vomiting.
Transient diarrhoea, anorexia or lethargy
These effects are dose-dependent and can be avoided by reducing the dose in
these cases.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a
veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to
either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the
national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
None.

Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
This veterinary medical product should only be used in dogs with cardiac
insufficiency. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the
package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
The pimobendan-induced increase in contractility of the heart is attenuated in the
presence of the calcium antagonist verapamil and the β-antagonist
In pharmacological studies no interaction between the cardiac glycoside ouabain
and pimobendan was detected.
Do not store above 25 °C.
Store in a dry place.
Store in tightly closed container.
Not applicable.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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