Flunixin Meglumine

Major Uses

Flunixin meglumine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used primarily in horses to treat pain and inflammation. It is commonly used to treat muscle or skeletal problems in horses. This drug can be used in cattle to control pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease and endotoxemia. For swine, it can be used to control pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease.

Flunixin meglumine does not usually cause negative side effects in the patient. However, kidney damage is likely to occur if a horse is dehydrated when the drug is administered. Flunixon should be used carefully in animals with renal, hepatic, or hematologic diseases. It is also possible that flunixon may mask behavioral and cardiopulmonary signs associated of endotoxemia or intestinal devitalization.

Common Precautions

Flunixin meglumine does not usually cause negative side effects in the patient. However, kidney damage is likely to occur if a horse is dehydrated when the drug is administered. Flunixon should be used carefully in animals with renal, hepatic, or hematologic diseases. It is also possible that flunixon may mask behavioral and cardiopulmonary signs associated of endotoxemia or intestinal devitalization.

Flunixin meglumine should be used cautiously in horses with gastrointestinal ulcers or kidney disease. This drug should also be used cautiously in pregnant or lactating horses, as negative side effects can occur. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if any negative side effects occur.

Flunixin meglumine should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Symptoms of an overdose include stomach ulcers, which can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea, bloody stool, constipation, depression, or changes in urine color or smell. Emergency veterinary care should be sought if an animal displays these side effects quickly after administration of the drug.

Storage

Flunixin meglumine must be stored at a temperature of 36-86 degrees Farenheit. It should be kept in a light-resistant, childproof container. It should also never be mixed with other drugs, as compatibility may be unknown.

Administration

Flunixin meglumine should be given orally and with food in order to prevent stomach/intestinal side effects. The typical dose is .25-2.2 mg/kg once daily. Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

In the case of a dose being missed, the missed dose should be given immediately. If it is almost time for the next schedules dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the scheduled dose administered. At this point, the normal administration schedule should continue. Never should two doses be given at the same time.