Flunixin Meglumine
Also known as: Banamine, Flumeglumine, Finadyne, FluNix D, Flunixamine, Flunixiject, Flunizine, Prevail, Suppressor, Vedagesic, Resflor Gold
### For Pet and Livestock Owners * **Administration**: Follow your veterinarian's exact instructions. If injecting intramuscularly (IM) in horses or dogs, be aware it can cause pain and swelling. *(Note: In swine, IM injection is specifically labeled for the neck muscles only).* * **Food Animal Restrictions**: The IM route is extra-label in cattle and requires longer withdrawal times. Do not use flunixin to make injured or non-ambulatory cattle walk for slaughter purposes. * **Side Effects to Watch For**: Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of stomach ulcers (loss of appetite, dark/tarry stools, depression) or changes in urination. * **Missed Doses**: If the first dose does not control the pain, do not give additional doses without consulting your veterinarian, as it increases the risk of toxicity without adding benefit.
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
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic (oral paste)
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic (oral paste)
- General
- For labeled indications
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic for visceral pain
- Using combination product (Resflor Gold)
- General labeled indications
- General labeled indications (Oral Paste/Granules)
- For adjunctive treatment of medical colic
- To decrease pain, inflammation, and edema in laminitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anaphylaxis (especially after rapid IV administration in horses and cattle)
- IM injection site reactions (localized swelling, induration, stiffness, sweating, and rarely clostridial myonecrosis)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration (oral and gastric ulcers, especially with prolonged use or high doses)
- Renal ischemia and nephrotoxicity (especially in dehydrated patients, dogs, and birds)
- Hematochezia and hematuria (reported in cattle treated > 3 days)
- Hypoproteinemia and hematologic abnormalities
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to flunixin
- Cats (generally contraindicated due to availability of safer alternatives)
- Patients with preexisting GI ulcers (e.g., Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome - EGUS)
- Patients with significant renal, hepatic, or hematologic diseases
- Breeding bulls (lack of reproductive safety data)
- Use to ambulate cattle intended for slaughter
- > **Important Warnings** > * **Masking of Symptoms**: In horses with colic, flunixin may mask the behavioral and cardiopulmonary signs associated with endotoxemia or intestinal devitalization. > * **Injection Site Risks**: IM injections in horses and cattle can cause significant tissue irritation and rarely clostridial myonecrosis. Rapid IV administration can cause anaphylactic-like reactions. > * **Intra-arterial Injection**: Accidental intra-arterial injection may cause CNS stimulation (hysteria), ataxia, hyperventilation, and muscle weakness. > * **Pregnancy**: Use cautiously in pregnant animals (FDA Class C equivalent).
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: May decrease plasma levels of flunixin and increase the likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss)
- Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine blood levels and increase the risk for nephrotoxicity
- Digoxin: May increase serum levels of digoxin; use with caution in severe cardiac failure
- Enrofloxacin: Increases AUC and elimination half-life of both flunixin and enrofloxacin in dogs
- Furosemide & other diuretics: May reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of the diuretic
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred with concomitant use; use together with extreme caution
- Nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): Increased risk of synergistic nephrotoxicity
- Probenecid: May cause a significant increase in serum levels and half-life of flunixin
- Warfarin: May increase the risk for bleeding
Frequently asked questions
What is Flunixin Meglumine used for in pets?
### For Pet and Livestock Owners * **Administration**: Follow your veterinarian's exact instructions. If injecting intramuscularly (IM) in horses or dogs, be aware it can cause pain and swelling. *(Note: In swine, IM injection is specifically labeled for the neck muscles only).* * **Food Animal Restrictions**: The IM route is extra-label in cattle and requires longer withdrawal times. Do not use flunixin to make injured or non-ambulatory cattle walk for slaughter purposes. * **Side Effects to Watch For**: Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of stomach ulcers (loss of appetite, dark/tarry stools, depression) or changes in urination. * **Missed Doses**: If the first dose does not control the pain, do not give additional doses without consulting your veterinarian, as it increases the risk of toxicity without adding benefit.
Is Flunixin Meglumine 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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