Carprofen was used in humans for almost ten years, starting in 1988, for the same conditions as in dogs; namely, joint pain and inflammation. Side effects tended to be mild, usually consisting of nausea or gastrointestinal pain and diarrhoea. It was available by prescription in 150mg to 600mg doses.[6] Dosages over 250mg were reserved for pain caused by severe trauma, such as postoperative inflammation; 150mg doses were commonly used to relieve arthritis pain, while 200mg doses were commonly prescribed for severe arthritis or inflammatory pain. The drug was taken orally.
Pfizer voluntarily removed the medication from the market for human use on commercial grounds.[6]
Veterinary medicine
Canine use
Carprofen is the most commonly used NSAID in dogs.[7] It aids in the relief of inflammation, pain, and fever. Carprofen can be administered in pill, chewable tablet, or injection form.[8]
Most dogs respond well to carprofen use, but like all NSAIDs, it can cause gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney problems.[9]
In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received more than six thousand anecdotal reports of sudden animal death after usage of Pfizer's Rimadyl brand of carprofen. In response, the FDA requested that Pfizer advise consumers in their advertising that death is a possible side effect;[10] Pfizer refused and pulled their advertising, later including death as a possible side effect on the drug label.[11]
Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, seizure or aggression)[1]
In rare situations, death has been associated with some of the adverse reactions listed above.[13]
Effects of overdose include gastritis and ulcer formation.[1]
In healthy dogs given carprofen, no perioperative adverse effects on the cardiovascular system have been reported at recommended dosages.[14][15] Perioperative administration of carprofen to cats affected neither postoperative respiratory rate nor heart rate.[16]
Laboratory studies and clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety of carprofen. These clinical studies involved nearly 300 dogs of various breeds, which were treated with carprofen at the recommended dosage for two weeks. The findings indicated that the drug was well tolerated, and the treated dogs did not experience a higher rate of adverse reactions compared to the control group.[1][medical citation needed]
A number of factors may have contributed to the high incidence of adverse reports received for carprofen by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine in the late 1990s. These include:
The type of drug.
Wide use.
Duration of use: Long-term use can result in a higher risk of adverse reactions. It is recommended that blood tests for liver and kidney function are performed both prior to starting and regularly while on NSAIDs to monitor the patient’s tolerance.[17]
Senior dog use: Older dogs—especially those aged 10 and older—are generally more prone to side effects caused by carprofen.[medical citation needed]
Equine use
Carprofen may be administered intravenously to horses.[18] A single dose has been shown to reduce prostaglandin E2 production and inflammatory exudate for up to 15 hours,[19] albeit with an inferior effect on eicosanoid production relative to phenylbutazone and flunixin.[20]Leukotriene B4 release is inhibited, as well. Carprofen can be given orally; intramuscular use may produce muscle damage.[21]
Other animal use
Carprofen is used as an analgesic for mouse surgical procedures.[22] Carprofen may also be used in adult fish.[23]
↑ McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE (2001). "Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs". Proc. AAEP (47): 182–187.
↑ Lees P, McKellar Q, May SA, Ludwig B (May 1994). "Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the horse". Equine Veterinary Journal. 26 (3): 203–208. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.1994.tb04370.x. PMID8542839.
↑ Lees P, Ewins CP, Taylor JB, Sedgwick AD (1987). "Serum thromboxane in the horse and its inhibition by aspirin, phenylbutazone and flunixin". The British Veterinary Journal. 143 (5): 462–476. doi:10.1016/0007-1935(87)90024-8. PMID3119142.
↑ McKellar QA, Bogan JA, von Fellenberg RL, Ludwig B, Cawley GD (July 1991). "Pharmacokinetic, biochemical and tolerance studies on carprofen in the horse". Equine Veterinary Journal. 23 (4): 280–284. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.1991.tb03718.x. PMID1915228.
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