Flunixin meglumine

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Sections available in full article Name, Class of drug, Description, Uses, Administration, Routes of administration, Dosage, Pharmocokinetics, Pathological variations, Precautions, Contra-indications, Use with care, Interactions, Adverse reactions, Sources, Publications,
Contributors Dr Kyle Braund BVSc MVSc PhD FRCVS DipACVIM
Dr John Dodam DVM MS PhD DipACVA

Name

  • Flunixin meglumine.

Class of drug

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Analgesia: NSAID.

Uses

Action

  • A potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibiting cyclo-oxygensase-1 enzyme, thereby limiting prostaglandin production.
  • NSAIDs have antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects.

Indications

  • Flunixin controls moderate to severe visceral and somatic pain.
  • To minimize the effects of endotoxemia.
    Pretreatment is most effective.
  • Use of flunixin meglumine in small animal medicine has declined since the introduction of other NSAIDs with higher therapeutic indices.

Adverse reactions

Effects of overdosage

  • Severe toxicity (usually with an acute overdose) may present with vomiting, pyrexia, metabolic acidosis, depression, coma, seizures Seizures and GI bleeding.

Other reported reactions

  • Adverse effects are dose-related and reflect the pathophysiological changes expected with reduced prostaglandin synthesis.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) irritation and ulceration Gastric ulceration :
    • Vomiting.
    • Diarrhea.
  • Renal papillary necrosis (renal failure) particularly if hypotension, dehydration or other nephrotoxic drugs are present.
  • Blood dyscrasias, hepatotoxicity and exacerbation of heart failure Acute heart failure.

Antidote for overdose

  • Treatment of acute toxic ingestion includes:
    • Empty the gut.
    • Treat acidosis.
    • Alkalinize urine with sodium bicarbonate Sodium bicarbonate.
    • Supportive therapy:
      • Gastrointestinal protectants.
      • Maintain hydration.

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