General Information on Rimadyl
Rimadyl, Imadyl and Imafen are brand names for Carprofen, which belongs to the propionic acid class of drugs. This drug is rated as a prime NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) with antipyretic and analgesic properties to relieve pain in dogs.
Rimadyl provides optimal relief from post operative pain. It even relieves pain and inflammation due to chronic conditions like arthritis and other joint diseases such as dysplasia.
Rimadyl can also be used to relieve short-term pain and inflammation in dogs.
Rimadyl reduces inflammation by inhibiting sources of inflammatory prostaglandins and the activity of COX-2.
Rimadyl is an oral drug which comes in the form of caplets or chewable tablets. Rimadyl chewable tablets contain Carprofen 25 mg, Carprofen 75 mg and Carprofen 100 mg per tablet. Each bottle has 60 to 80 tablets. Rimadyl caplets contain Carprofen 25 mg, Carprofen 75 mg and Carprofen 100 mg per caplet respectively. Each bottle has 100 to 250 capsules.
You can only buy Rimadyl on a vet’s prescription as it is a prescription drug.
Side effects of Rimadyl
Rimadyl may lead to the following general symptoms:
- Hives
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Increase in thirst
- Increase in urination
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination
- Convulsions
- Fatigue or weakness
The other side effects of Rimadyl that may require immediate medical care are:
- Black, bloody or tarry stools and/or blood in the vomit
- Drowsiness
- Partial paralysis or loss of balance
- Change in level of activity, seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face
- Open sores in the mouth
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
- Abdominal cramping
Dosage of Rimadyl
The recommended dose for oral administration is Rimadyl 1 mg/lb of weight twice daily.
Rimadyl chewable tablets and caplets are scored and the dose should be calculated in increments of a half-tablet.
This drug can be fed by hand to a dog or mixed in its food. However, care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose.
This medication is best for dogs over six weeks of age. Rimadyl can be given as a single dose per day.
A missed dose should be given as soon as possible once you remember it. However, if it almost time for the next dose, it can be skipped. An overdose of Rimadyl is to be avoided. In case of overdose symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, slow breathing and no urine production, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.
Rimadyl is not recommended for dogs with bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand’s disease.
The safety of Rimadyl in pregnant dogs or lactating bitches is not established.
This drug should not be given to dogs with a hypersensitivity to Carprofen.
Interactions
Inform your veterinarian if your pet is on aspirin or other NSAIDs like etodolac or piroxicam, any cough, cold, pain or allergy medications, warfarin, furosemide, a steroid like prednisone, insulin, or probenecid. Do not give a dog any over-the-counter drug without consulting a veterinarian since it may interact with Rimadyl.
