Description

Flunixin meglumine is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug used as a potent pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory in horses.  It provides protection from toxins due to certain bacterial infections, and is used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of painful eye conditions.

Flunixin meglumine works by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins and other chemicals that stimulate the body's inflammatory response.  This drug works quickly, with pain relief and fever reduction usually starting within one to two hours.

Usage

Flunixin meglumine is used in the treatment of colic and other gastrointestinal diseases for pain relief and for protection from toxins due to endotoxemia.  As an NSAID, it provides symptomatic relief by lowering fever, but does not treat the underlying infection.

Flunixin meglumine has a rapid onset of action and is the agent of choice in the initial treatment of tendonitis and many musculosketetal injuries.  Under the brand name Banamine, it is known as a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and prevents the unwanted circulatory and vascular effects of bacterial endotoxins.  It is used in the treatment of endotoxemia associated with acute laminitis, acute colitis, and acute septic metritis.

Flunixin meglumine is used as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of many painful eye conditions.

Dosage and Administration

Flunixin Meglumine
Method	Dosage (click row for calculator)	Concentration	Period	Duration
Oral	0.5 mg/lb	1500 mg/syringe	Daily	Up to 5 days
Intravenous or Intramuscular injection2	0.5 mg/lb	50 mg/ml	Daily	Up to 5 days
Notes: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. 1Calibrated syringe. 2The recommended dose for the alleviation of pain associated with equine colic is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight. Intravenous administration is recommended for prompt relief. Calculator is for educational purposes only. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding use of this, or any medication.

Side Effects

Ulcers, especially of the stomach and large colon, are the most common side effect.  Rare side effects include kidney damage and bleeding disorders.

Precautions

Flunixin meglumine may be given IM, but injection site reactions, including localized pain, swelling, and muscle inflammation or damage, sometimes occur.  Allergic reactions have been reported, but are rare.  It should be avoided or carefully monitored in horses with liver disease, kidney disease, or other gastrointestinal problems.

Some veterinarians believe that flunixin meglumine is powerful enough that it can mask colic pain, making decisions regarding surgery more difficult.

Flunixin meglumine should be used with caution in foals and older horses, especially those with a tendency toward ulcers or impaired liver or kidney function.

Flunixin is FDA approved for use in horses and is a prescription drug restricted to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Flunixin meglumine is either a regulated or prohibited substance in most sanctioned competitions.  It is important to check with the individual regulatory group for rules and regulations.

Interactions

Flunixin meglumine should not be combined with other anti-inflammatory drugs that tend to cause ulcers, such as other NSAIDs and corticosteroids.  It should be used with caution with aminoglycoside antibiotics and oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin.

Overdose

Experimentally, it has taken three to five times the normal dose over multiple days to produce toxicity.