carprofen

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

Actions of carprofen: 

• Anti-Inflammatory Action: carprofen inhibits the production of prostaglandins, that are involved in the inflammatory response. By reducing prostaglandin production, carprofen helps to decrease inflammation and associated pain. 
• Analgesic Action: carprofen provides pain relief by reducing the sensitization of pain receptors (nociceptors) and decreasing the perception of pain signals in the body. 
• Antipyretic Action: carprofen can help lower fever by acting on hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. 
• Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibition: carprofen primarily inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for the prostaglandins production that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.  

Spectrum of carprofen: 

• Osteoarthritis: carprofen is often prescribed to manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects aging dogs. 
• Post-Operative Pain: carprofen can help manage pain and inflammation following surgical procedures, making the recovery process more comfortable for the animal. 
• Musculoskeletal Disorders: carprofen may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

gastrointestinal irritation 

Bleeding 

Ulcers 

Vomiting 

decreased appetite 

Diarrhea 

tarry stools 

increased thirst 

changes in urine color 

skin rash 

Swelling 

Hives 

difficulty breathing 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

carprofen does not have a black box warning issued by the USFDA. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs: Dogs that have previously shown hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to NSAIDs, including carprofen, should not receive this medication. 
• Gastrointestinal Ulcers and Bleeding: carprofen can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Dogs with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding disorders, or other conditions that could be worsened by gastrointestinal bleeding should not receive carprofen. 
• Liver or kidney disease: Dogs with preexisting liver or kidney disease should avoid carprofen, as NSAIDs can impact the function of these organs. 
• Heart Conditions: Dogs with preexisting heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, should not receive carprofen without careful evaluation and monitoring by a veterinarian.

Caution: 

• Gastrointestinal Effects: NSAIDs, including carprofen, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. It is important to monitor for signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dark or tarry stools, or abdominal pain. If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue carprofen use and consult a veterinarian. 
• Kidney and Liver Function: NSAIDs can affect kidney and liver function. Prior to starting carprofen therapy, baseline kidney and liver function should be assessed. Regular monitoring of these organ systems is important, especially for dogs on long-term therapy. 
• Heart Conditions: Dogs with preexisting heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, may be at increased risk of adverse effects when using carprofen. Consult a veterinarian before using carprofen in dogs with heart conditions. 
• Dehydration and Hypovolemia: carprofen can affect kidney function, and its use should be approached cautiously in dehydrated or hypovolemic (low blood volume) dogs. Adequate hydration is important during treatment. 
• Geriatric Dogs: Older dogs may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of NSAIDs. Careful consideration and monitoring are recommended when using carprofen in geriatric animals. 
• Breeding, Pregnant, or Lactating Dogs: The safety of carprofen in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs is not well established. Consultation with a veterinarian is crucial in such cases.

Comorbidities: 

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Dogs with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease may be at increased risk of gastrointestinal disturbances when using carprofen.  
• Kidney Disease: NSAIDs like carprofen can impact kidney function. Dogs with preexisting kidney disease may be more susceptible to kidney-related side effects. Kidney function should be assessed before starting carprofen therapy and monitored regularly during treatment. 
• Liver Disease: Liver function can also be affected by NSAID use. Dogs with liver disease or impaired liver function may require special caution and monitoring when using carprofen. 
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Dogs with preexisting heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, should be carefully evaluated before using carprofen. NSAIDs can have cardiovascular effects that may impact dogs with compromised heart function. 
• Dehydration and Hypovolemia: Dogs with conditions that can lead to dehydration or low blood volume, such as kidney disease or certain systemic illnesses, may be more susceptible to the effects of carprofen on kidney function. 
• Geriatric Dogs: Older dogs are more likely to have multiple comorbidities. Their age-related physiological changes and potential for reduced organ function may require careful consideration when using carprofen. 
• Allergies or Sensitivities: Dogs with a history of allergies or sensitivities, especially to NSAIDs, should be monitored closely when using carprofen. 
• Bleeding Disorders: Dogs with bleeding disorders or those on other medications that affect blood clotting may be at increased risk of bleeding complications when using NSAIDs like carprofen. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into dog milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

carprofen acts as a reversible inhibitor of the COX enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is involved in producing prostaglandins that maintain normal physiological functions, such as protecting the gastrointestinal tract and promoting platelet aggregation. COX-2 is primarily associated with the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation and pain. By inhibiting COX-2 more selectively, carprofen reduces the synthesis of these pro-inflammatory prostaglandins while sparing COX-1 to a certain extent.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Enzymes: carprofen selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme, which is induced during inflammation and is responsible for the production of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing COX-2 activity, carprofen decreases the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. 
• Prostaglandin Modulation: Prostaglandins are lipid molecules that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting COX-2, carprofen reduces the levels of prostaglandins that contribute to these processes. 
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: carprofen’s inhibition of COX-2 and subsequent reduction in prostaglandins leads to a decreased inflammatory response. This can help alleviate symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain in conditions like osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. 
• Analgesic Effects: carprofen’s suppression of prostaglandin production contributes to its analgesic properties. By reducing prostaglandins that sensitize pain receptors (nociceptors), carprofen helps reduce the perception of pain. 
• Antipyretic Effects: carprofen’s COX-2 inhibition can also reduce fever by affecting the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. 
• Platelet Effects: carprofen’s inhibition of COX-1, albeit to a lesser extent than COX-2, can affect platelet aggregation and blood clotting. While carprofen’s antiplatelet effects are not as pronounced as some other NSAIDs, there can still be an impact on blood clotting. 
• Selectivity and Minimization of COX-1 Impact: carprofen is designed to be more selective for COX-2 inhibition than COX-1. This selectivity is aimed at reducing gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, which are associated with COX-1 inhibition.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

carprofen is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. 

Distribution 

It is extensively bound to plasma proteins and is distributed throughout the body, including to inflamed tissues. 

Metabolism 

carprofen is metabolized in the liver, primarily through oxidation and glucuronidation. 

Elimination and excretion 

The metabolites of carprofen are eliminated primarily through the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage and Frequency: The carprofen administration will be determined by the veterinarian depending on the dog’s specific condition, size, and health status. It is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions closely. 
• Oral Administration: carprofen is typically administered orally. It can be given with or without food, depending on the specific product and the dog’s tolerance. 
• Tablets and Chewable Tablets: carprofen tablets can be given directly by mouth. Some formulations are chewable and may be more palatable for dogs. If using a chewable tablet, you can offer it as a treat or mix it with a small amount of food to encourage consumption. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: carprofen 

Pronounced: (kar-PRO-fen)  

Why do we use carprofen? 

• Osteoarthritis: carprofen is frequently prescribed to dogs with osteoarthritis, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. It helps alleviate pain and improve mobility in affected dogs, enhancing their quality of life. 
• Post-Surgical Pain: After surgical procedures, dogs may experience pain and inflammation at the surgical site. carprofen can help manage post-operative pain and facilitate a smoother recovery. 
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: Dogs with musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, or soft tissue injuries, can benefit from carprofen’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. 
• Chronic Pain: carprofen may be used to manage chronic pain associated with various conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and other chronic orthopedic issues.