Superior Bute Powder Powder: Phenylbutazone
Call to order(859) 281-9511General Drug Information and Indications
NSAID for musculoskeletal pain, lameness, and inflammation in horses; osteoarthritis, laminitis, and navicular disease; most commonly used equine NSAID.
Pyrazolone NSAID (phenylbutazone). Mechanism: non-selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor → reduces prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis → anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic. Most common equine NSAID; enolic acid derivative. Highly protein-bound; long tissue half-life in horses. GI ulcerogenicity risk significant with overdose.
Key information
Phenylbutazone powder — see phenylbutazone entry. Administer with feed. Do not exceed recommended dose.
How to Give this Medication
Horses — IV: administer slowly into jugular vein (dilute if available; do NOT give IM/SQ — tissue necrosis). Oral granules/paste: Administer orally via dose syringe placed at the back of the tongue, or mix into a small amount of palatable feed. — mix granules into grain or administer paste via dose syringe. Do not allow oral paste to contact oral mucosa directly (ulceration risk). Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, always with feed. Do not double the dose.
Side Effects
GI: gastric and right dorsal colonic ulceration (right dorsal colitis — most significant concern in horses; higher risk than other NSAIDs). Renal: acute tubular necrosis (dehydration). Oral ulceration at paste contact sites (mucous membranes). Hematologic: aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia (rare but serious in dogs — highly toxic species for PBZ). Protein-losing enteropathy. Hepatotoxicity.
Precautions
For animals
Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. — right dorsal colonic ulceration (horses); gastric ulceration (dogs). Monitor renal function, hydration status, and urine output. Oral ulceration at mucosal contact sites (oral paste). NOT FOR USE IN CATS — severe toxicity. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. Drug interaction: highly protein-bound — displaces other protein-bound drugs. Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Avoid in geriatric, debilitated, or renally compromised horses.
For people handling this medication
Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. NSAID — potentially serious human health concern: aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis possible with chronic human exposure (especially through paste inhalation or skin contact). Wear gloves when handling. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Do not use in food animals. Keep out of reach of children. Inform your doctor if handling regularly.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Phenylbutazone overdose causes severe GI ulceration and kidney damage.
Superior Bute Powder Powder: Phenylbutazone dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPERIOR BUTE POWDER POWDER: PHENYLBUTAZONE | — | Powder | 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)