Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antinflammatory & antirheumatic products-
Non –steroids.
ATC Vet Code: QM01AE91
Pharmacodynamic properties
Carprofen (CPF), (±)-6-chloro-α-methylcarbazole-2-acetic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. It is a derivative of phenylpropionic acid and a member of the arylpropionic acid class of NSAIDs. As a representative of the 2-arylpropionic family, it contains a chiral center at C2 of the propionic moiety and therefore, exists in 2 sterioisomeric forms, the (+)-S and (-)-R enantiomers.
The mechanism of action of carprofen is unclear, there are two principal theories. One proposes that carprofen is a selective inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase isoenzyme, COX-2. The second hypothesis that carprofen is a weak inhibitor of both cyclo-oxygenase isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, and that it acts, at least partially, by some other unknown mechanism.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption of carprofen is reported to be rapid and complete in the dog. The volume of distribution is small with the highest drug concentrations observed in plasma, which has been ascribed to a high degree of binding to plasma protein. In the cat, following intravenous or subcutaneous administration, the clearance and volume of distribution were greater and elimination half-life was shorter for S(+) carprofen. Bioavailability after subcutaneous dosing was complete.