VPT 321: Veterinary Neuropharmacology (2+1) copy 1

Individual NSAIDs

INDIVIDUAL NAISDs

Aspirin 

• Use in dog, cat, cattle. Available as enteric coated, film coated, buffered, time release tablets.
• Mostly preferred in cats
• Undergoes glucuronidation
• Use as analgesic, antipyretic.
• Inhibits platelet aggregation - In humans, low dose aspirin is used for prevention of thrombus in arteries to prevent heart attacks

Paracetamol 

• Acts mainly as antipyretic
• Most popular drug in humans.
• Action not through COX inhibition
• Contraindicated in cats
• No anti-inflammatory effect
• Glucuronidation is the major pathway

Phenylbutazone

• Analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory and also uricosuric action. Popular in horses and dogs
• Irritating if given i/m or s/c

Flunixin meglumine

• Drug of widespread use in veterinary practice. For musculoskeletal pain and also in colic in horses.
• Low dose (1.1mg / kg)

Ketoprofen

• Powerful anti-inflammatory . major use in horses @ 2.2 mg / kg in horses. Overdose may cause laminitis

Ibuprofen

• More anti-inflammatory and less analgesic. Low tendency to produce gastrointestinal ulcers

Meclofenamic acid

• Used in horses for osteoarthritis and soft tissue inflammation. May cause gastrointestinal irritation and colic in horses

Meloxicam 

• Another popular drug, recently introduced into the Indian market. Low potency to induce gastrointestinal side effects

Nimesulide 

• Selective COX₂ inhibitor. Injectable form introduced into market. Low tendency to cause gastric side effect

Diclofenac

• Popular drug. However, drug residues in food animal tissues created havoc by wiping out vultures in North West India and Pakistan. Prohibited for veterinary use in Indian subcontinent.

COX₂ selective Inhibitors

• COX₂ ( Inducible ) isoform involved in inflammation while COX₁ (constitutive) plays a role in homeostasis – gastrointestinal  protection, renal flow etc.
• Selective Inhibitors of COX₂ have less chances of side effects related to gastrointestinal ulcers.
• Eg: Nimesulide, valdecoxib, rofecoxib – are some agents