Flunixin Meglumin

Use:  Flunixin in the form of the meglumine salt is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug and a non-narcotic analgesic drug with antipyretic activities. It is used in veterinary medicine (including food-producing animals) but it is not used in human medicine. Flunixin-meglumine dissociates in-vivo to Flunixin and meglumine. In 1997, the European Medicine Evaluation Agency's (EMEA) Committee on Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) considered the safety of Flunixin-meglumine as part of its review of old veterinary medicinal products, operating under Council Regulation 2377/90, which covers the marketing authorization of pharmacologically active substances used in veterinary medicines.

Pharmacology：Flunixin meglumine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is a highly substituted derivative of nicotinic acid, and when compared with other NSAIDs it is structurally unique. It is an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. It, like other NSAIDs, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects. This drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. It is not clear how this drug is distributed in the body or metabolized, although some of the drug appears to be excreted in small amounts in the urine. Use cautiously in pregnant animals, and those animals with renal, hepatic or hematological diseases.

Indications: Uses include before and after ophthalmic and general surgery, disk and associated problems of lameness, and arthritis.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications: Interactions similar to all NSAIDs. Use cautiously with phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants, other anti-inflammatory agents, salicylates, and sulfonamides. May reduce effects of furosemide when used together.

Adverse Reactions: CNS:  stimulation, ataxia, hyperventilation, muscle weakness (all may be transient symptoms). GI:  diarrhea, GI ulceration.