Tolfenamic Acid
Also known as: Tolfedine, Tolfejec
Tolfenamic acid is a medication used to relieve pain and inflammation in your pet. **Important Administration Guidelines:** * **Follow the Schedule:** If your veterinarian prescribed a weekly dosing regimen (e.g., giving the medication for 3 to 5 consecutive days, then stopping for the rest of the week), it is **critical** to follow this exactly. This "pulse" schedule helps prevent serious side effects. * **Give with Food:** Administering this medication with a meal can help your pet absorb it better and may reduce stomach upset. * **What to Watch For:** Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased thirst/urination, or if you notice dark, tarry stools (which can be a sign of stomach bleeding). * **Do Not Mix Medications:** Never give your pet human pain relievers (like aspirin or ibuprofen) or other veterinary NSAIDs while they are taking tolfenamic acid, as this can cause fatal stomach ulcers or kidney failure.
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
- Acute pain
- Pain/inflammation
- Inflammation, pain, and fever
- Inflammation, pain, and fever
- Metritis-mastitis-agalactia (MMA)
- Pneumonia
- Mastitis
- Acute pain
- Chronic pain
- Pain/inflammation
- Inflammation, pain, and fever
- Inflammation, pain, and chronic locomotor disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal ulceration (at high doses)
- Platelet dysfunction/prolonged bleeding time
- Potential nephrotoxicity (especially in dehydrated patients)
- Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
- Renal toxicity (especially during hypotension)
- Potential precipitation of cardiac failure (rare/unknown risk in animals)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tolfenamic acid or other fenamates (e.g., meclofenamic acid)
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
- Pre-surgical administration (due to anti-thromboxane/platelet effects)
- Dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive patients
- Patients with gastrointestinal disease
- Patients with blood clotting problems
- Pregnant animals
- Animals under 6 weeks of age
- Intramuscular (IM) administration in cats
- Use with extreme caution in patients with **decreased renal or hepatic function**. Ensure patients are well-hydrated to mitigate nephrotoxic risks. Like other NSAIDs, tolfenamic acid should be used with caution during pregnancy. Do not use pre-surgically due to its effects on platelet function.
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Corticosteroids: Concomitant therapy may increase the occurrence of gastric ulceration; avoid concurrent use.
- Digoxin: NSAIDs may increase serum levels of digoxin.
- Fluconazole: May increase plasma levels of NSAIDs; potentially affects tolfenamic acid levels in dogs.
- Furosemide: NSAIDs may reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide.
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred with concomitant NSAID use; use together with extreme caution.
- Nephrotoxic Drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): May enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity.
- Other NSAIDs: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Warfarin: Tolfenamic acid is 98-99% protein-bound; may displace highly protein-bound drugs like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Monitor closely.
- Glucocorticoids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Do not administer concurrently or within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tolfenamic Acid used for in pets?
Tolfenamic acid is a medication used to relieve pain and inflammation in your pet. **Important Administration Guidelines:** * **Follow the Schedule:** If your veterinarian prescribed a weekly dosing regimen (e.g., giving the medication for 3 to 5 consecutive days, then stopping for the rest of the week), it is **critical** to follow this exactly. This "pulse" schedule helps prevent serious side effects. * **Give with Food:** Administering this medication with a meal can help your pet absorb it better and may reduce stomach upset. * **What to Watch For:** Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased thirst/urination, or if you notice dark, tarry stools (which can be a sign of stomach bleeding). * **Do Not Mix Medications:** Never give your pet human pain relievers (like aspirin or ibuprofen) or other veterinary NSAIDs while they are taking tolfenamic acid, as this can cause fatal stomach ulcers or kidney failure.
Is Tolfenamic Acid 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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