Pimobendan/Sotalol Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)

How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension

Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:

1. Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
2. Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
3. Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
4. Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
5. Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
6. Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
7. Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
8. Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.

This compounded formulation combines active ingredients from different drug classes: pimobendan, an inodilator and sotalol, a beta-blocker with antiarrhythmic properties. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this to consolidate more than one medication into a single administration. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.

Pimobendan increases the sensitivity of cardiac muscle to calcium and causes vasodilation, supporting cardiac output; sotalol blocks beta-adrenergic receptors and affects cardiac electrical conduction.

This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Because both ingredients affect the heart, your veterinarian will individualize the preparation and monitor your animal, which may include ECG and cardiac evaluation. Do not stop abruptly without guidance and report weakness, collapse or changes in breathing promptly.