When Is Pimobendan Commonly Compounded?
Pimobendan is widely used in veterinary medicine to help manage congestive heart failure in dogs. While many pets do well with commercially available tablets, there are situations where a different approach may be needed.
At Avrio Pharmacy, we work with veterinarians to prepare compounded pimobendan when patient-specific medication needs are not met by standard options.
Why Pimobendan May Be Compounded
Not every dog can take medication the same way. In some cases, commercially available pimobendan tablets may not be the best fit for the patient or the pet owner’s ability to administer the medication.
Some common reasons pimobendan may be compounded include:
- Difficulty swallowing tablets
Some dogs simply will not take pills, or may spit them out consistently
- Smaller dogs needing doses not available
Standard tablet strengths do not always align well with very small body weights
- Tablet Size
Reducing tablet size may help improve ease of administration and improve compliance
- Need for alternative dosage forms
A veterinarian may prescribe a specifically concentrated or flavored liquid to make administration easier
- Challenges with consistent dosing
Splitting tablets into very small portions can make it harder for owners
- Removed allergens
Such as added proteins
How Compounding Can Help
Compounding allows medications like pimobendan to be prepared in a way that may fit the patient better.
This may include:
- Customizing strengths to meet weight-based dose
- Removing allergens
- Adjustments that may make administration easier for pet owners
- Reducing tablet size to make dosing easier
- Flavoring (or unflavoring) to make more palatable
Compounding may help simplify the medication administration process by the pet-owner and may improve patient-specific compliance.
Important Considerations With Pimobendan
Compounded medications are prepared based on a veterinarian’s prescription and are intended for specific patient needs when commercially available options are not appropriate.
Pimobendan should always be used under veterinary supervision, and pet owners should follow all dosing instructions closely. If there are any concerns with administration or tolerance, it is important to check in with the prescribing veterinarian.
Supporting Administration for Pets
Giving medication to a dog is not always easy, especially when dealing with ongoing conditions like heart disease. When challenges come up, having options in dosage forms can make a difference in day-to-day care.
If your veterinarian has prescribed compounded pimobendan or you have questions about available forms, our team at Avrio Pharmacy is here to help!
How to Order Pimobendan
Are you a veterinarian?
Prescriptions can be sent to Avrio Pharmacy in a few different ways:
- Submit through our online portal: order.avriorx.com
- Call in: 480-270-6700
- Fax: 480-270-6701
Are you a pet owner?
You can bring in a written prescription or ask your veterinarian to send it to Avrio Pharmacy using one of the options above.
If you have questions about the process or need more information, our team is here to assist. We are open Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm MST and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm to assist in person.
We are available via phone Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm MST and Saturday from 9am to 2pm MST.
Sources:
PetMD. Pimobendan (Vetmedin) for Dogs.
https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/vetmedin-vetmedin-ca1-for-dogs
Drugs.com. Vetmedin (Pimobendan) Chewable Tablets – Veterinary Medication Information.
https://www.drugs.com/vet/vetmedin-pimobendan-chewable-tablets.html