Rimadyl
General Drug Information and Indications
Carprofen (COX-2 preferential NSAID) for pain and inflammation in dogs; osteoarthritis and post-operative analgesia.
COX-2 preferential NSAID (carprofen). Mechanism: preferentially inhibits COX-2 over COX-1 at therapeutic doses → reduces inflammation-mediated prostaglandin E2 with relative GI and platelet-sparing effects. Propionic acid class. Oral or injectable. Well tolerated for long-term osteoarthritis management in dogs. Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity rare (monitor liver enzymes).
Key information
Carprofen — COX-2 preferential NSAID. Dogs only. Administer with food. Monitor liver enzymes periodically. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Store at room temperature.
How to Give this Medication
Oral chewable tablets or caplets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. or immediately after feeding. Once or twice daily depending on formulation. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, gastric ulceration (COX-2 preferential but GI risk exists). Renal: azotemia with dehydration or CKD. Hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic — rare but potentially fatal in Labrador Retrievers and other dogs; monitor liver enzymes). Hematologic: platelet dysfunction. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Precautions
For animals
Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Monitor renal function, hydration status, and urine output. Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. — idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, especially Labrador Retrievers (monitor liver enzymes at 2 weeks, then every 6 months). Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Baseline blood work required.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). NSAID — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Carprofen overdose causes GI ulceration, kidney injury, and possibly liver toxicity. Supportive care required. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Rimadyl dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIMADYL 100 MG CHEWABLE TAB: CARPROFEN | 100 MG | Tablet | 1 | Commercial |
| RIMADYL 25 MG CHEWABLE TAB: CARPROFEN | 25 MG | Tablet | — | Commercial |
| RIMADYL 25 MG CHEWABLE TAB: CARPROFEN | 25 MG | Tablet | 1 | Commercial |
| RIMADYL 75 MG CHEWABLE TAB: CARPROFEN | 75 MG | Tablet | 1 | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)