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Rimadyl (Carprofen)

Antiinflammatory, Analgesic, NSAID-Non Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drug, Protein bound drug, Ulcerogenic drug, Injectable NSAID

Brand Names

Carpaquin™, Carprieve™, Norocarp®, Novox®, Rimadyl®, Rovera®, TruProfen™, Vetprofen®, quellin™

Drug Information

Pharmacology

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Contraindications

General
  • Contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to this type of drug.
  • Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction.
  • The use of parenteral fluids during surgery should be considered to reduce the potential risk of renal complications when using NSAIDs perioperatively.
  • Carprofen is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand’s disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders.
  • The safe use of carprofen in animals less than 6 weeks of age, pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established.
Dog
  • Contraindicated in dogs with bleeding disorders, GI ulcers, patients with liver disease or pre existing renal impairment.
  • The safe use of Rimadyl in animals less than 6 weeks of age, pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established.
Cat
  • Not labeled for use in cats.

Adverse Effects

General
  • Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inappetence, melena, hematemesis, gastrointestinal ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis.
  • Hepatic: Inappetence, vomiting, jaundice, acute hepatic toxicity, hepatic enzyme elevation, abnormal liver function test(s), hyperbilirubinemia, bilirubinuria, hypoalbuminemia. Approximately one-fourth of hepatic reports were in Labrador Retrievers.
  • Neurologic: Ataxia, paresis, paralysis, seizures, vestibular signs, disorientation.
  • Urinary: Hematuria, polyuria, polydipsia, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, azotemia, acute renal failure, tubular abnormalities including acute tubular necrosis, renal tubular acidosis, glucosuria.
  • Behavioral: Sedation, lethargy, hyperactivity, restlessness, aggressiveness.
  • Hematologic: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, blood loss anemia, epistaxis.
  • Dermatologic: Pruritus, increased shedding, alopecia, pyotraumatic moist dermatitis (hot spots), necrotizing panniculitis/vasculitis, ventral ecchymosis.
  • Immunologic or hypersensitivity: Facial swelling, hives, erythema.
  • In rare situations, death has been associated with some of the adverse reactions listed above.
Dog
  • Hepatocellular damage, jaundice and/or renal disease can occur and dogs with pre existing conditions and geriatric dogs seem to be at greater risk. Labrador Retrievers have been associated with 1/3 of the cases of hepatic syndrome.

Interactions

General Interactions
  • Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring additional therapy. Such drugs commonly used include cardiac, anticonvulsant and behavioral medications.
Category Interactions
Corticosteroid
  • Contraindicated with corticosteroids as increased risk for side effects may result.
Diuretic
  • Side effect risk increases with dehydration and with the use of diuretics.
NSAID-Non Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drug
  • Contraindicated with concurrent use of other NSAIDs because it may increase the risk of side effects.
Protein bound drug
  • May displace other highly protein bound drugs resulting in increased serum levels and duration of action.
Ulcerogenic drug
  • Increased risk for GI ulceration is additive with ulcerogenic drugs concurrently.
Drug Interactions
Furosemide
  • Use in caution in patients in cardiac failure-may reduce diuretic effects of furosemide.
Methotrexate
  • Use extreme caution when using methotrexate concurrently as serious toxicity has occurred when used with NSAIDs
PHENobarbital
  • There may be an increased risk for hepatotoxicity secondary to carprofen metabolites.

Comments

Baseline bloodwork is recommended to assess the general health of the patient prior to starting this drug.
It is advised to reassess bloodwork after 1 week and discontinue if any elevations are detected.
Periodic bloodwork to monitor this drug’s effect on the body is advised if long term therapy is required.
Advise the lowest effective dose as infrequently as possible to control pain in dogs.
Close contact with the pet owner is recommended to insure safe and effective use.
Owners should be warned that chewable flavored tablets should be stored in a manner to prevent accidental ingestion and overdose.

Available Forms

Human
  • None
Veterinary – General
  • Tablets – 25, 75 and 100 mg caplets in btls of 4, 30, 60 or 180; Rimadyl®, in bottles of 30 tablets; TruProfen™ and in btls of 30, 60 and 180; Novox®, Carprieve™ (formerly Norocarp®), in bottles of 60 and 240 caplets: Vetprofen® and in bottles of 72 and 210 caplets; Carpaquin™. Approved for dogs. Chewable tablets – 25, 75 and 100 mg tablets in bottles of 7, 30, 60 or 180; Rimadyl®, in bottles of 30 tablets; Quellin™, in bottles of 30, 60 or 180 tablets; Rovera®. Approved for use in dogs. Injectable – 50 mg/mL in 20 mL btls; Rimadyl® Injectable. Approved for dogs.