Banamine® Paste
Generic Name:
Flunixin (for horses)
Flunixin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses (and cattle) to control fever, pain and inflammation. Flunixin is sold as a paste in an oral syringe and is best given with food; Injectable Flunixin (50 mg/mL) can be injected intravenously or intramuscularly.
- Flunixin meglumine is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory); non-narcotic
- Flunixin is available as an oral paste and as an injection
- To treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
- To alleviate pain associated with colic
- To reduce a fever
- To reduce redness, swelling, heat and pain associated with tissue damage
- Effects should be seen 15 minutes after intravenous injection and 1-2 hours after intramuscular injection
- To manage post-surgical pain
- May be used pre- and post-ophthalmic surgery
- Horses with bleeding problems, liver, kidney or heart disease
- Horses with gastric ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders
- Use with care in dehydrated animals or those with low blood pressure
- Use with extreme caution in pregnant or nursing mares
- Do not use in animals intended for use in food
- Flunixin is a classified drug. Consult your veterinarian and/or event officials before using Flunixin in a performance horse.
- Animals with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
The oral syringe is calibrated in twelve 250 lb weight increments and delivers 125 mg for each 250 lb of body weight. Insert the syringe nozzle through the interdental space and deposit the required amount of paste on the back of the tongue by depressing the plunger.
When using the oral form, give Flunixin at the same time as a meal to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
If given by injection, do not inject intramuscularly in the neck
For prompt relief of colic pain, intravenous administration of Flunixin is recommended.
Do not give intra-arterially.
Do not mix with other injectable drugs in the same syringe.
Do not allow your horse to become dehydrated while on Flunixin. Ensure your horse has adequate access to clean drinking water.
For long-term treatment, use the lowest effective dose possible.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- When will your horse need to be rechecked
- What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
- Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
- If your horse has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
- If your horse has experienced digestive upset now or ever
- If your horse has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
- If your horse has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- All medicines and supplements that you are giving your horse or plan to give your horse, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your horse's medicines can be given together.
- If your horse is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your horse
Both oral and injectable forms of Flunixin should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, dark, tarry or bloody stools or constipation, gastric ulcers, lethargy and loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination, changes to urine color and smell
- Localized swelling or induration (hardness), sweating, stiffness post intramuscular injection
- Pale gums, bruising or bleeding
- Rare reports of fatal and non-fatal clostridial infections associated with intramuscular use
- Rare reports of anaphylactic-like reactions following intravenous use
- Allergy symptoms to this medication include: scratching, facial swelling, hives, sudden diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma.
- It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your horse has a medical problem or side effect from this product's therapy
- Yes, but possible interactions may occur with aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg. amikacin, gentamicin), aspirin, corticosteroids, diuretics, heparin, methotrexate, oral anticoagulants, phenytoin, sulfa drugs, valproic acid, warfarin, other NSAIDs, other ulcer-causing drugs or drugs that cause kidney damage.
- If your horse experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your horse receives more than the prescribed amount.
Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, Flunixin should only be given to the horse for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about Flunixin. If you have any questions or concerns about Flunixin or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
