Flunixin Injection (flunixin meglumine)

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Description

For horses, Flunixin Injection (flunixin meglumine injection) is used for alleviating inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the horse and for the use of alleviating visceral pain associated with colic in the horse. 

For cattle, Flunixin Injection is used for the control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease, endotoxemia and acute bovine mastitis. Flunixin Injection is also indicated for the control of inflammation in endotoxemia.

Dose and Administration

Horse

The recommended dose for musculoskeletal disorders is 0.5mg per pound (1mL/100 lbs) of bodyweight once daily. Treatment may be given by intravenous or intramuscular injection and repeated for up to five days. Studies show onset of activity is within 2 hours. Peak response occurs between 12 and 16 hours and duration of activity is 24-36 hours.

The recommended dose for the alleviation of pain associated with equine colic is 0.5mg per pound of bodyweight. Intravenous administration is recommended for prompt relief. Clinical studies show pain is alleviated in less than 15 minutes in many cases. Treatment may be repeated when signs of colic recur. During clinical studies approximately 10% of the horses required one or two additional treatments. The cause of the colic should be determined and treated with concomitant therapy. 

Cattle

The recommended dose for control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease and endotoxemia and control of inflammation in endotoxemia is 1.1-2.2 mg/kg (0.5 to 1mg/lb; 1 to 2 mL per 100 lbs) of bodyweight given by slow intravenous administration either once a day as a single dose or divided into two doses administered at 12 hour intervals for up to 3 days. The total daily dose should not exceed 2.2mg/kb (1.0mg/lb) of bodyweight. Avoid rapid intravenous administration of the drug.

The recommended dose for acute bovine mastitis is 2.2mg/kg (1.0mg/lb: 2 mL per 100 lbs) of bodyweight given once by intravenous administration.

Contraindications

Horse

There are no known contra-indications to this drug when used as directed. Intra-arterial injection should be avoided. Horses inadvertently injected intra-arterially can show adverse reactions. Signs can be ataxia, incoordination, hyperventilation, hysteria and muscle weakness. Signs are transient and disappear without antidotal medication within a few minutes. Do not use in horses showing hypersensitivity to flunixin meglumine. 

Cattle

NSAIDs inhibit production of prostaglandins which are important in signaling the initiation of parturition. The use of flunixin can delay parturition and prolong labor which may increase the risk of stillbirth. Do not use Flunixin Injection (flunixin meglumine injection) within 48 hours of expected parturition. Do not use in animals showing hypersensitivity to flunixin meglumine. Use judiciously when renal impairment or gastric ulceration are suspected. 

Precautions

Asa class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse effects varies with the individual patient. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. 
Since many NSAIDs possess the potential to induce gastrointestinal ulceration, concomitant use of Flunixin Injection (flunixin meglumine injection) with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs and corticosteroids, should be avoided or closely monitored. 

Horse

The effect of flunixin meglumine injection on pregnancy has not been determined. Studies to determine activity of flunixin meglumine injection when administered concomitantly with other drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring adjunctive therapy. 

Cattle

Do not use in bulls intended for breeding, as reproductive effects of flunixin meglumine injection in these classes of cattle have not been investigated. NSAIDs are known to have potential effects on both parturition (See Contraindications) and the estrous cycle. There may be a delay in the onset of estrus if flunixin is administered during the prostaglandin phase of the estrous cycle. NSAIDs are known to have the potential to delay parturition through a tocolytic effect. The use of NSAIDs in the immediate post-partum period may interfere with uterine involution and expulsion of fetal membranes. Cows should be monitored carefully for placental retention and metritis if Flunixin Injection is used within 24 hours after parturition.