(flunixin meglumine)

Brands

Banamine, Finadyne

Availability

• Oral Granules: 250 mg in 10 gm sachets
• Injectable: 50 mg/mL in 50 mL & 100 mL vials

Pharmacology

Flunixin meglumine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is a highly substituted derivative of nicotinic acid, and when compared with other NSAIDs it is structurally unique. It is an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. It, like other NSAIDs, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects. Reports indicate that the analgesic effect of flunixin meglumine is achieved within 15 minutes of administration.

This drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. It is not clear how this drug is distributed in the body or metabolized. Elimination of the drug is believed to be primarily via hepatic routes and biliary excretion with some of the drug being excreted in small amounts in the urine.

Use cautiously in pregnant animals, and those animals with renal, hepatic or hematologic diseases.

Indications

Uses include before and after ophthalmic and general surgery, disk and associated problems of lameness, and arthritis.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

• Interactions similar to all NSAIDs. Avoid concomitant use with phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, salicylates, and sulfonamides.
• May reduce effects of furosemide when used together.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: stimulation, ataxia, hyperventilation, muscle weakness (all may be transient symptoms)

GI: anorexia, diarrhea, GI ulceration, occult blood

Metabolic: dehydration

Renal: Use cautiously in dehydrated, hypovolemic or hypotensive animals due to the potential for increased risk of renal toxicity.

Dosage Recommendations

1.1 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg, SQ, IM, q12hr  ²⁶

or

2.5 mg/kg, SQ, IM, q12hr  ^6, 27

or

2.5 mg/kg, SQ, q12hr to q24hr  ^{1, 26, 34, 35}

or

2.5 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg, SQ, q12hr to q24hr  ^41, 44

Considerations

• Prevent dehydration by providing juicy types of fruit in addition to fresh water.
• Not recommended to mix injectable in with other drugs.
• Store in refrigerator or at room temperature, between 36^oF and 86^oF (2^oC and 30^oC), and protect from freezing and light.