Flunixin – Equine
 (Banamine, Flunixamine, Flumeglumine)

Common Drug Name: Flunixin meglumine

Common Brand Names: Banamine, Flunixamine, Flumeglumine Generic products are available.

Storage: Store between 36-86°F in a tight, light resistant, childproof container.

Uses: Flunixin is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that controls pain and inflammation in horses. It is most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal problems and the pain associated with colic. It may also be used by some veterinarians for the treatment of toxic shock.

Dose and Administration: Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Do not mix with any other medication in the same syringe. Do not administer the injectable form into an artery. When giving the oral form by mouth, give with food to reduce the chance of stomach/intestinal side effects. For long-term treatment, use the lowest dose needed to provide relief. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the horse for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects: Stomach ulcers may develop, in which case you may see loss of appetite; diarrhea; dark, tarry or, bloody stools; or constipation. Side effects involving the kidney include increased thirst and urination, or changes in the urine color or smell. Other side effects may include pale gums, bruising or bleeding. If any of these side effects are observed, stop treatment and contact your veterinarian. When using the injectable product, pain and swelling may occur at the injection site, or the horse may experience sweating. In rare instances, infections (possibly fatal) can occur at the injection site, when given intramuscularly (IM), causing, pain, swelling, and fever. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects. If your horse experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions: Not for use in horses hypersensitive (allergic) to flunixin or similar medications. Use with caution in horses with gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, kidney, liver, clotting disorders, or other blood diseases. Use with caution in pregnant or lactating horses, and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Provide fresh water at all times, since lack of water could increase the risk of injury to the kidneys. When using the injectable form of flunixin, do not administer into an artery since it may cause incoordination, hysteria, or muscle weakness. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with flunixin.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions: Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your horse is taking while receiving flunixin. Consult your veterinarian before using flunixin with phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants, other NSAIDS such as aspirin or phenylbutazone, corticosteroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone, sulfa drugs, methotrexate and diuretics such as furosemide (Salix), since interactions and an increase of side effects may occur.

Withdrawal Times: Flunixin is a classified drug. Consult your veterinarian and event officials before using flunixin or any other medication in a performance horse. Not for use in horses intended for food.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose: Stomach ulcers may develop, in which case you may see loss of appetite; diarrhea; dark, tarry or, bloody stools; or constipation. May also see depression and increased thirst and urination, or changes in the urine color or smell. If you know or suspect your horse has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and animals.

** This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

If you have questions about this medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation