Carprofen:

• It is newly developed propionic acid derivative NSAID
• Insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol

MOA:

• It is principally COX-2 inhibitor with less interference with activity of COX-1 enzyme
• Inhibition of phospholipase enzyme and impaired release of arachidonic acid

Pharmacological effects:

• It exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects.

Pharmacokinetics:

• It is well-absorbed following oral administration ~90% and peak serum levels occur between 1-3 hours post dosing in dogs
• It is highly bound to plasma protein (90%) and has low volume of distribution.
• It is metabolized mainly in liver by oxidation and glucuronide conjugation
• It is excreted in feces (70-80%) and urine (10-20%)
• Elimination half-life:
  • Dogs= 8-15 hrs
  • Horses = 22 hours
  • Cats = 15-20 hours
  • Man= 1-2 hours

Side effects/Adverse effects:

• Few side effects than other NSAID
• Hepatocellular damage, renal disease and GI disorder may occur rarely
• Gastritis and ulcer formation in excess use

Drug Interactions:

• It shouldnot be used along with other nephrotoxic drugs
• Concurrent use of aspirin or other potent NSAID may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of carprofen
• It also shows displacement drug interactions.

Clinical Uses:

• For pain and inflammation in dogs
• Osteoarthritis in dog
• Control of surgical pain
• Calf pneumonia in suppressing edema

Dose:

• Dogs: 2-4 mg/kg, PO in divided dose for 7 days, then 2 mg/kg, OD
• Dog and cats: 4 mg/kg, SC or IV as single dose
• Cats: 0.5 mg/kg, PO, OD for long-term use
• Horses: 0.7 mg/kg, PO, OD x 4-9 days, IV as single dose
• Cattle: 1.4 mg/kg, SC or IV as single dose
• Swine: 2-4 mg/kg, IV, OD