Flunixin Meglumine

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