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.

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.

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 medication should only be given to the horse for whom it was prescribed.

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 horse.