Increased heart rate after Pimobendan (Vetmedin) in dogs

60 reports to the FDA describe increased heart rate in dogs given Pimobendan. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

60Reports

43%Marked serious

28%Recovered

17%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

16 33%

1–2 days

7 15%

3–7 days

4 8.3%

1–4 weeks

4 8.3%

Over a month

17 35%

How the animals did

Recovered

17 28%

Still unwell when reported

7 12%

Died

4 6.7%

Euthanised

6 10%

Not known

26 43%

Problems reported at the same time

17 28%

12 20%

11 18%

10 17%

10 17%

Increased respiratory rate

8 13%

Tremors

7 12%

Diarrhea

6 10%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Pimobendan treats heart failure and some heart disease.

Products with this ingredient include Vetmedin. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Pimobendan cause increased heart rate in dogs?: 60 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 4 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Pimobendan in dogs · Medicines most reported with increased heart rate