Use of pimobendan in the management of heart failure

Pimobendan is an oral inodilator compound available in many countries for use in canine heart failure. It combines calcium-sensitizing effects with PDE III inhibition, resulting in positive inotropic effects and veno- and ergic signal transduction pathway in the failing heart, the calcium-sensitizing effects may assume greater importance in patients with heart failure. Clinical studies in human patients have shown sustained improvement in hemodynamics and exercise tolerance, with favorable neurohormonal effects. One study showed a nonsignificant trend toward increased mortality [20], but proarrhythmic effects have not ben observed. Studies in naturally occurring canine heart failure suggest that pimobendan's effects are at least comparable to those of ACE inhibitors, if not superior. Pimobendan is likely to play an increasing role in the future in the treatment of canine heart disease.