Rimadyl For Dogs
Carprofen
Rimadyl (Carprofen) by Pfizer is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) given for pain and inflammation related to arthritis, joint pain, post surgical discomfort, trauma and soft tissue injury, and fever.
Dosage and Administration:
The recommended dosage for oral
administration to dogs is 1 mg/lb of body weight twice daily. Rimadyl caplets
and chewable tablets are scored and dosage should be calculated in half-tablet
increments. Tablets can be halved by placing the tablet on a hard surface and
pressing down on both sides of the score. Rimadyl chewable tablets are palatable
and willingly consumed by most dogs when offered by the owner. Therefore, they
may be fed by hand or placed on food. Care should be taken to ensure that the
dog consumes the complete dose.
Precautions:
Rimadyl should not be used in dogs exhibiting previous hypersensitivity to
carprofen.
As a class, cyclooxygenase
inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
Effects may result from decreased prostaglandin production and inhibition of the
enzyme cyclooxygenase which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins
from arachidonic acid. When
NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that cause inflammation they may also inhibit
those prostaglandins which maintain normal homeostatic function. These
anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in
patients with underlying or pre-existing disease more often than in healthy
patients.12, 14 NSAID therapy could
unmask occult disease which has previously been undiagnosed due to the absence
of apparent clinical signs. Patients with underlying renal disease for example,
may experience exacerbation or decompensation of their renal disease while on
NSAID therapy.
Carprofen is an NSAID, and as with others in that class, adverse reactions may
occur with its use. The most frequently reported effects have been
gastrointestinal signs. Events involving suspected renal, hematologic,
neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic effects have also been reported. Patients
at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on
concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or
hepatic dysfunction. Since many NSAIDs possess the potential to induce
gastrointestinal ulceration, concomitant use of Rimadyl with other
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and NSAIDs, should be avoided
or very closely monitored. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse reactions
varies with the individual patient. For example, Rimadyl treatment was not
associated with renal toxicity or gastrointestinal ulceration in well-controlled
safety studies of up to 10 times the dose in dogs.
Rimadyl is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von
Willebrand's disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these
disorders. The safe use of Rimadyl in pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding
purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established. Studies to determine
the activity of Rimadyl when administered concomitantly with other protein-bound
drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in
patients requiring additional therapy.
Due to the palatable nature of Rimadyl chewable tablets, store out of reach of
dogs in a secured location. Severe adverse reactions may occur if large
quantities of tablets are ingested.
Adverse Reactions: May include decreased appetite, vomiting,
diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased
urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye
due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. Serious
adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and
in rare situations result in death. Owners should be
advised to discontinue Rimadyl therapy and contact their veterinarian
immediately if signs of intolerance are observed. The vast majority of
patients with drug related adverse reactions have recovered when the signs are
recognized, the drug is withdrawn, and veterinary care, if appropriate, is
initiated. Owners should be advised of the importance of periodic follow-up for
all dogs during administration of any NSAID.
Warnings:
Keep out of reach of children. Not
for human use. Consult a physician in cases of accidental ingestion by humans. For
use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
Storage:
Store at controlled room temperature
15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).
How Supplied:
Rimadyl chewable tablets are scored,
and contain 25 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg of carprofen per tablet. Each tablet size is
packaged in bottles containing 14, 60 or 180 tablets. Rimadyl caplets are
scored, and contain 25 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg of carprofen per caplet. Each caplet
size is packaged in bottles containing 14, 60 or 180 caplets.
Pfizer Animal Health
Rx Medication Sold Only To Licensed Veterinarians & Pharmacies. Current License Must Be On File Prior To Shipping.