Introduction

Company name: Pfizer Limited

Address: Ramsgate Road

Sandwich

Kent CT13 9NJ

Telephone: 0845 300 8034 (Out of hours: 01304 616161)

Fax: 01737 332521

Email: UKVetLine@pfizer.com

Website: www.only4vets.co.uk

Presentation

Rimadyl Tablets are round white tablets scored down the middle containing as active ingredient either 20 mg or 50 mg carprofen.

Uses

For analgesia and reduction of chronic inflammation, for example in degenerative joint disease of the dog. Rimadyl tablets can also be used in the management of post-operative pain in dogs.

Dosage and administration

For oral administration.

An initial dose of 2 to 4 mg carprofen/kg bodyweight/day is recommended to be given as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. Subject to clinical response the dose may be reduced after 7 days to 2 mg carprofen/kg bodyweight/day given as a single daily dose. To extend analgesic and anti-inflammatory cover post operatively, parenteral therapy with Rimadyl Injection may be followed with Rimadyl tablets at 4mg/kg/day for up to 5 days.

Duration of treatment will be dependent upon the response seen. Long term treatment should be under regular veterinary supervision.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

The elimination time of NSAIDs, including carprofen, in the cat is longer than in the dog and the therapeutic index is narrower. In the absence of specific data the use of Rimadyl Tablets in the cat is contra-indicated.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Do not administer other NSAIDs concurrently or within 24 hours of each other. Do not administer in conjunction with glucocorticoids.

Some NSAIDs may be highly bound to plasma proteins and compete with other highly bound drugs, which can lead to toxic effects.

Do not use in dogs suffering from cardiac, hepatic or renal disease, where there is a possibility of gastro-intestinal ulceration or bleeding, or where there is evidence of a blood dyscrasia or hypersensitivity to the product. As with other NSAIDs there is a risk of rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events.

Use in dogs less than 6 weeks of age, or in aged animals, may involve additional risk. If such use cannot be avoided, such dogs may require a reduced dosage and careful clinical management.

Avoid use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive dog, as there is a potential risk of increased renal toxicity.

Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

In the absence of any specific studies in pregnant target bitches, such use is not indicated.

NSAIDs can cause inhibition of phagocytosis and hence in the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with bacterial infection, appropriate concurrent antimicrobial therapy should be instigated.

There is no specific antidote for carprofen overdosage but general supportive therapy, as applied to clinical overdosage with NSAIDs should be applied.

For animal treatment only.

In the event of accidental ingestion of the tablets, seek medical advice and show the doctor what has been taken.

Wash hands after handling the product.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Store in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Dispose of any unused product and empty containers in accordance with guidance from your local waste regulation authority.

Legal category

POM-V

Packaging Quantities

Containers of 100 × 20 mg, 100 × 50 mg and 500 × 50 mg tablets.

Further information

Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that for carprofen in the dog gastro-intestinal tract ulceration is rare, and only occurs at dosages well above the therapeutic dose.

Marketing authorisation numbers

20 mg tablets Vm 00057/4190

50 mg tablets Vm 00057/4191