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Brand

RIMADYL
NOVOX

Availability

25 mg, 75 mg & 100 mg
Caplets, Chewables, Injectable

Pharmacology

Carprofen is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This is the same class as other more common over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprofen (e.g.Advil), naproxen (e.g.Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis), and Aspirin.
Carprofen, like other newer NSAIDs, exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity through its inhibition of the enzyme called COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase 2).

The drug is metabolized in the liver and primarily eliminated in feces with a small percentage being eliminated in the urine. There is some enterohepatic recycling of the drug.
Carprofen has not been tested in pregnant or nursing females, and is therefore not recommended for use in those animals that are.

Indications

Carprofen is used in the treatment of pain for either short term or long term use. It can also be used as an alternative to opioid based post-op pain. The advantage is less respiratory and cardiovascular side effects than the opioids, and it is longer acting. (Liles and Flecknell, 1994; Flecknell et al., 1999; Roughan and Flecknell, 2000) *For additional information refer to: Rat Analgesics, Frank J Golder BVSc BPhil , Diplomate American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Drugs that are of the class of NSAIDs are not recommended to be used concurrently with each other as their side effects may be increased.

NSAIDs are not recommended to be used in conjunction with corticosteroid hormones such as: prednisone, or dexamethasone, etc. It is the recommendation of Pfizer that a 5-7 day rest period be given when changing from one NSAID to carprofen or from carprofen to another NSAID. If switching to Aspirin allow a rest period of 10-14 days due to Aspirin’s strong platelet inactivating ability. Also if switching from carprofen to prednisone allow a one week rest period.

Monitor liver function if having to use carprofen with phenobarbital.

Carprofen may reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or captopril.

Do not use carprofen if bleeding disorders are present (e.g. Von Willebrand’s disorder).

Do not use carprofen in the presence of renal or hepatic insufficiency.

Carprofen may increase serum levels and duration of actions if used with the following:

Phenytoin
Anti-inflammatories
Salicylates
Sulfonamides
Digoxin (cardoxin)

Carprofen may reduce the effect of the following:

Furosemide

Adverse Reactions

CNS:  depression, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures

GI: loss of appetite , diarrhea, occult fecal bleeding, increased thirst

GU:  increased urination

Hematologic:  platelet deactivation - (platelets are the cells that control the ability of the blood to clot)

Dosage Recommendations

5 mg/kg , SQ , q24hrs  ²²

or

5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg , PO , q24hrs  ¹

Considerations

Carprofen is available as a chewable tablet.

Use with caution in rats with pre-existing liver or kidney disease.

In the event signs of adverse effects are seen, stop drug, and contact veterinarian.

Caplets, and tablets may be stored at room temperature.

References

Product insert for Carprofen
www.rimadyl.com

Posted on August 26, 2007, 18:38, Last updated on June 18, 2008, 20:44 | NSAIDS