Label: FLUNIXIN- flunixin meglumine injection, solution

Horse: Flunixin is four times as potent on a mg-per-mg basis as phenylbutazone as measured by the reduction in lameness and swelling in the horse. Plasma half-life in horse serum is 1.6 hours following a single dose of 1.1 mg/kg. Measurable amounts are detectable in horse plasma at 8 hours post injection.

Cattle: Flunixin meglumine is a weak acid (pKa=5.82)1 which exhibits a high degree of plasma protein binding (approximately 99%)2. However, free (unbound) drug appears to readily partition into body tissues (VSS predictions range from 297 to 782 mL/kg.2-5 Total body water is approximately equal to 570 mL/kg)6. In cattle, elimination occurs primarily through biliary excretion7. This may, at least in part, explain the presence of multiple peaks in the blood concentration/time profile following IV administration2.

In healthy cattle, total body clearance has been reported to range from 90 to 151 mL/kg/hr2-5. These studies also report a large discrepancy between the volume of distribution at steady state (VSS) and the volume of distribution associated with the terminal elimination phase (Vß). This discrepancy appears to be attributable to extended drug elimination from a deep compartment.8 The terminal half-life has been shown to vary from 3.14 to 8.12 hours. 2-5

Flunixin persists in inflammatory tissues9 and is associated with anti-inflammatory properties which extend well beyond the period associated with detectable plasma drug concentration.4,9 These observations account for the counterclockwise hysteresis associated with flunixin's pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships.10 Therefore, prediction of drug concentrations based upon the estimated plasma terminal elimination half-life will likely underestimate both the duration of drug action and the concentration of drug remaining at the site of activity.

Horse: Flunixin Injection is recommended for the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the horse. It is also recommended for the alleviation of visceral pain associated with colic in the horse.

Cattle: Flunixin Injection is indicated for the control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease, endotoxemia and acute bovine mastitis. Flunixin Injection is also indicated for the control of inflammation in endotoxemia.

Horse: The recommended dose for musculoskeletal disorders is 0.5 mg per pound (1 mL/100 lbs) of bodyweight once daily. Treatment may be given by intravenous or intramuscular injection and repeated for up to five days. Studies show onset of activity is within 2 hours. Peak response occurs between 12 and 16 hours and duration of activity is 24-36 hours.

The recommended dose for the alleviation of pain associated with equine colic is 0.5 mg per pound of bodyweight. Intravenous administration is recommended for prompt relief. Clinical studies show pain is alleviated in less than 15 minutes in many cases. Treatment may be repeated when signs of colic recur. During clinical studies approximately 10% of the horses required one or two additional treatments. The cause of the colic should be determined and treated with concomitant therapy.

Cattle: The recommended dose for control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease and endotoxemia and control of inflammation in endotoxemia is 1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg (0.5 to 1mg/lb; 1 to 2 mL per 100 lbs) of bodyweight given by slow intravenous administration either once a day as a single dose or divided into two doses administered at 12 hour intervals for up to 3 days. The total daily dose should not exceed 2.2 mg/kg (1.0 mg/lb) of bodyweight. Avoid rapid intravenous administration of the drug.

The recommended dose for acute bovine mastitis is 2.2 mg/kg (1.0 mg/lb: 2 mL per 100 lbs) of bodyweight given once by intravenous administration.

Horse: There are no known contraindications to this drug when used as directed. Intra-arterial injection should be avoided. Horses inadvertently injected intra-arterially can show adverse reactions. Signs can be ataxia, incoordination, hyperventilation, hysteria and muscle weakness. Signs are transient and disappear without antidotal medication within a few minutes. Do not use in horses showing hypersensitivity to flunixin meglumine.

Cattle: NSAIDs inhibit production of prostaglandins which are important in signaling the initiation of parturition. The use of flunixin can delay parturition and prolong labor which may increase the risk of stillbirth. Do not use Flunixin Injection (flunixin meglumine injection) within 48 hours of expected parturition. Do not use in animals showing hypersensitivity to flunixin meglumine. Use judiciously when renal impairment or gastric ulceration are suspected.

Horse: The effect of flunixin meglumine injection on pregnancy has not been determined. Studies to determine activity of flunixin meglumine injection when administered concomitantly with other drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring adjunctive therapy.

Cattle: Do not use in bulls intended for breeding, as reproductive effects of flunixin meglumine injection in these classes of cattle have not been investigated. NSAIDs are known to have potential effects on both parturition (See Contraindications) and the estrous cycle. There may be a delay in the onset of estrus if flunixin is administered during the prostaglandin phase of the estrous cycle. NSAIDs are known to have the potential to delay parturition through a tocolytic effect. The use of NSAIDs in the immediate post-partum period may interfere with uterine involution and expulsion of fetal membranes. Cows should be monitored carefully for placental retention and metritis if Flunixin Injection is used within 24 hours after parturition.

Horse: A 3-fold intramuscular dose of 1.5mg/lb of bodyweight daily for 10 consecutive days was safe. No changes were observed in hematology, serum chemistry, or urinalysis values. Intravenous dosages of 0.5mg/lb daily for 15 days; 1.5mg/lb daily for 10 days; and 2.5mg/lb daily for 5 days produced no changes in blood or urine parameters. No injection site irritation was observed following intramuscular injection of the 0.5mg/lb recommended dose. Some irritation was observed following a 3-fold dose administered intramuscularly.

Cattle: No flunixin-related changes (adverse reactions) were noted in cattle administered at 1X (2.2 mg/kg; 1.0 mg/lb) dose for 9 days (three times the maximum clinical duration). Minimal toxicity manifested itself at moderately elevated doses (3X and 5X) when flunixin was administered daily for 9 days, with occasional findings of blood in the feces and/or urine. Discontinue use if hematuria or fecal blood are observed.