Target species
Dogs.
4.2 Indications for use, specifying the target species
For analgesia and reduction of chronic inflammation, for example in degenerative joint disease in the dog.
The tablets can also be used in the management of post-operative pain.
4.3 Contraindications
Do not exceed the stated dose.
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 use in the cat is contra-indicated.
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 blood dyscrasia or hypersensitivity to the product. As with other NSAIDs there is a risk of rare idiosyncratic renal or hepatic adverse events.
Do not administer other NSAIDs concurrently or within 24 hours of each other. Some NSAIDs may be highly bound to plasma proteins and compete with other highly bound drugs, which can lead to toxic effects.
4.4 Special warnings for each target species
None.
4.5 Special precautions for use
i) Special precautions for use in animals
Use in dogs less than 6 weeks of age, or in aged dogs, may involve additional risk. If such a 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 rise of increased renal toxicity.
Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.
NSAID’s can cause inhibition of phagocytosis and hence in the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with bacterial infection, appropriate concurrent antimicrobial therapy should be instigated.
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
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.
4.6 Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
Typical undesirable effects associated with NSAIDs, such as vomiting, soft faeces/diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, loss of appetite and lethargy have been reported. These adverse reactions generally occur within the first treatment week and are in most cases transient and disappear following termination of the treatment but in very rare cases may be serious or fatal. If adverse reactions occur, use of the product should be stopped and the advice of a veterinarian should be sought. As with other NSAIDs there is a risk of rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events.
4.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
In the absence of any specific studies in pregnant bitches, such use is not indicated.
4.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No significant drug interactions have been reported for carprofen. The acute toxicity of carprofen in animals was not significantly affected in tests with fifteen commonly used (or commonly available) drugs. These were acetylsalicylic acid, amphetamine, atropine, chlorpromazine, diazepam, diphenhydramine, ethyl alcohol, hydrochlorothiazide, imipramine, meperidine, propoxyphene, pentobarbital, sulfisoxazole, tetracycline and tolbutamide. (Jeunet, 1982).
Whilst carprofen and warfarin may both be bound to plasma proteins, they may be used concurrently provided the clinical situation is carefully monitored since it has been shown that they bind to two distinct sites on human and bovine serum albumin [Sudlow et al (1976), Crouthamel and Popick (1979) and Jeunet (1982)].
