Carprofen
Also known as: Rimadyl, Novox, Carprieve, Vetprofen, Quellin, Rovera, Canidryl, Carprodyl, Carprox Vet, Dolagis, Rimifin
**Important Guidelines for Pet Owners:** * **Administration:** Always give this medication with a meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset. * **Stop Medication Immediately:** If your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, dark/tarry stools, lethargy, or loss of appetite, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian. * **No Human Drugs:** Never give your pet human pain relievers (like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin) while they are taking carprofen, as this can be fatal. * **Follow-up:** Keep all scheduled appointments for blood work to ensure your pet's liver and kidneys are handling the medication well. > **Safety First:** Store out of reach of pets and children. The chewable tablets are highly palatable, and dogs may eat the entire bottle if they find it, leading to a severe overdose.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Post-operative pain
- Analgesia
- Adjunct therapy for acute mastitis or respiratory disease
- Pain and Inflammation
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Osteoarthritis and Pain Management
- Analgesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Hepatopathy (rare, idiosyncratic)
- Renal toxicity
Cautions & contraindications
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand disease)
- Active gastrointestinal ulceration
- Hypersensitivity to carprofen or other NSAIDs
- Concurrent use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
- **Hepatotoxicity:** A rare, idiosyncratic (non-dose-dependent) hepatocellular toxicosis has been reported, primarily in dogs (notably Labrador Retrievers, though any breed can be affected). **Renal & GI:** Use with caution in dehydrated patients or those with pre-existing renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease. > **Warning:** Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids due to a significantly increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation. Ensure a washout period (typically 5-7 days) when switching between NSAIDs.
Drug interactions
- Corticosteroids: Significantly increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation.
- Other NSAIDs: Increased risk of GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity.
- ACE Inhibitors: Potential for increased risk of renal toxicity and decreased hypotensive efficacy.
- Phenobarbital: Potential for altered metabolism and increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
- Furosemide: Decreased diuretic efficacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carprofen used for in pets?
**Important Guidelines for Pet Owners:** * **Administration:** Always give this medication with a meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset. * **Stop Medication Immediately:** If your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, dark/tarry stools, lethargy, or loss of appetite, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian. * **No Human Drugs:** Never give your pet human pain relievers (like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin) while they are taking carprofen, as this can be fatal. * **Follow-up:** Keep all scheduled appointments for blood work to ensure your pet's liver and kidneys are handling the medication well. > **Safety First:** Store out of reach of pets and children. The chewable tablets are highly palatable, and dogs may eat the entire bottle if they find it, leading to a severe overdose.
Is Carprofen safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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