Cardisan Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Cardisan Chewable Tablets for Dogs are a prescription-only veterinary medicine containing pimobendan, used in the management of congestive heart failure in dogs.

Cardisan helps improve the heart’s ability to pump blood while also relaxing blood vessels. This dual action can improve circulation and reduce the workload placed on the heart.

Cardisan is prescribed for dogs with congestive heart failure associated with dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency, including mitral and/or tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Cardisan is supplied as a flavoured chewable tablet and is usually administered twice daily as part of a long-term treatment plan determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

The tablets have a cross-shaped score line and can be divided into two or four equal parts where required to provide the prescribed dose.

This product is a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V) and can only be supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

What Cardisan is used for

Cardisan is used to manage congestive heart failure in dogs, particularly where heart disease reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

It is authorised for the treatment of congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency, including mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

These conditions can lead to signs such as coughing, rapid or laboured breathing, reduced exercise tolerance, weakness, lethargy and fluid accumulation in the lungs, chest or abdomen.

By improving cardiac output and reducing resistance to blood flow, Cardisan can help support heart function and improve quality of life when used as part of an appropriate veterinary treatment plan.

How Cardisan works

The active ingredient in Cardisan is pimobendan.

Pimobendan works through two complementary mechanisms.

First, it acts as a positive inotrope, increasing the strength of heart muscle contractions and helping the heart pump blood more effectively.

Second, it acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and reducing resistance to blood flow. This can reduce the workload placed on the heart and support circulation.

Together, these effects help support cardiac function in dogs with congestive heart failure.

Available strengths

Cardisan chewable tablets are available in a range of strengths, including:

• 1.25mg
• 2.5mg
• 5mg
• 10mg

The strength and quantity supplied must match the valid veterinary prescription.

How Cardisan is given

Cardisan is administered by mouth according to the dose prescribed by the veterinary surgeon.

It is generally given in two divided doses approximately 12 hours apart.

Cardisan should be given approximately one hour before feeding, as administration with food or shortly afterwards may reduce the absorption of pimobendan.

The tablets are flavoured and have a cross-shaped score line, allowing them to be divided into two or four equal parts where required.

Important information

Cardisan is a POM-V veterinary medicine and requires a valid veterinary prescription before it can be supplied.

The dose, strength and treatment duration should be determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

Dogs receiving long-term treatment for heart disease may require regular veterinary monitoring and dose adjustments depending on their clinical response.

Further information, including contraindications, warnings, interactions and potential adverse effects, can be found in the official product information available here.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cardisan used for in dogs?

Cardisan is used to treat congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular insufficiency, including mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation.

What is the active ingredient in Cardisan?

Cardisan contains pimobendan, a veterinary medicine that improves the strength of heart contractions and helps relax blood vessels.

Is Cardisan the same as Vetmedin?

Cardisan and Vetmedin both contain the active ingredient pimobendan. They are different authorised veterinary products and should only be supplied in accordance with the product and strength stated on the veterinary prescription.

What strengths of Cardisan are available?

Cardisan chewable tablets are available in 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg strengths. The strength and dose supplied must match the veterinary prescription.

How long do dogs stay on Cardisan?

Dogs with congestive heart failure may require long-term or lifelong treatment. Treatment duration and any dose adjustments are determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

Does Cardisan cure heart disease?

Heart disease in dogs is generally a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Cardisan is used to help manage the condition by supporting heart function and circulation.

Should Cardisan be given with food?

Cardisan should generally be administered approximately one hour before feeding. Giving pimobendan with food or shortly afterwards may reduce its absorption.

Can Cardisan tablets be divided?

Yes. Cardisan tablets have a cross-shaped score line and can be divided into two or four equal parts where required to provide the prescribed dose.

What signs of heart disease might dogs show?

Signs may include coughing, rapid or laboured breathing, reduced exercise tolerance, lethargy, weakness, fainting and fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. Dogs showing these signs should be assessed by a veterinary surgeon.