# Flunixin meglumine for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Flunixin is a non-selective COX inhibitor used as the meglumine salt in horses and cattle. Horses get 1.1 mg/kg (0.5 mg/lb) IV or IM once a day for up to 5 days…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/flunixin-meglumine/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Flunixin is a non-selective COX inhibitor used as the meglumine salt in horses and cattle [1]. Horses get 1.1 mg/kg (0.5 mg/lb) IV or IM once a day for up to 5 days and cattle 1.1–2.2 mg/kg by slow IV injection under the Banamine label [2]; a pour-on for cattle is given once at 3.3 mg/kg [3].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, nicotinic acid derivative — non-selective)
- Brands: Banamine, Banamine Transdermal, Megludyne, Resflor Gold

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation (Label: 0.5 mg/lb (1 mL/100 lb) — works out to 1.1 mg/kg (calculated).) | 1.1 mg/kg [2] | IV or IM | Once daily · Up to 5 days | Label |
| Cattle | Fever (BRD, endotoxaemia) (Total daily dose not more than 2.2 mg/kg.) | 1.1–2.2 mg/kg [2] | Slow IV | Once daily, or split into 2 doses 12 h apart · Up to 3 days | Label |
| Cattle | Fever, mastitis, foot-rot pain (pour-on) (1 mL per 15 kg of the 50 mg/mL pour-on.) | 3.3 mg/kg [3] | Topical (pour-on along the back) | Single dose | Label |
| Sheep | Fever and inflammation (Megludyne (India) label.) | 1.1–2.2 mg/kg [4] | Slow IV or IM |  | Label |
| Goats | Fever and inflammation (Megludyne (India) label.) | 1.1–2.2 mg/kg [4] | Slow IV or IM |  | Label |
| Camels | Fever and inflammation (Megludyne (India) label.) | 1.1–2.2 mg/kg [4] | Slow IV or IM |  | Label |
| Pigs | Fever and inflammation (Megludyne (India) label.) | 1–2 mg/kg [4] | SC or slow IV |  | Label |
| Dogs | Fever and inflammation (Megludyne (India) label.) | 1 mg/kg [4] | Slow IV or IM |  | Label |

## Uses

- Horses: inflammation and pain of musculoskeletal disorders, and visceral pain of colic [2].
- Cattle: fever of bovine respiratory disease, endotoxaemia and acute mastitis [2]; pour-on also for foot-rot pain [3].
- India: sold for cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, camels, horses and pigs (Megludyne) [4].

## Mechanism of action

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1]. Flunixin is a non-selective COX inhibitor [1].

## Safety

- Banamine injection is approved only for IV use in cattle — IM injection has left violative residues in meat [2].
- Not for use in dry dairy cows, veal calves, breeding bulls or horses intended for food (Banamine label) [2].
- Pour-on: do not use in animals with liver, kidney or heart disease, gut ulceration or platelet disorders [3].

## Withdrawal periods

- Cattle, meat: 4 days — Banamine injection (US): not slaughtered within 4 days of the last treatment. [2]
- Cattle, milk: 36 hours — Banamine injection (US): milk taken during treatment and for 36 hours after must not be used for food. [2]
- Cattle, meat: 13 days — Banamine Transdermal pour-on (Canada): at least 13 days. [3]

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the flunixin dose for cattle?

1.1–2.2 mg/kg by slow IV injection, once a day or split into two doses, for up to 3 days; the total daily dose should not exceed 2.2 mg/kg (Banamine label) [2].

### Can flunixin be given IM to cattle?

Not under the US Banamine label — it is approved only for IV use in cattle because IM injection has caused violative residues [2].

### What is the flunixin dose for dogs?

The Indian Megludyne label gives 1 mg/kg by slow IV or IM injection for dogs [4].

## References

[1] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals
[2] BANAMINE (flunixin meglumine injection) — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Merck Animal Health (2026). https://drugs.com/vet/banamine-injectable-solution.html
[3] BANAMINE Transdermal (flunixin pour-on) — Canadian label — Drugs.com Vet — Canadian label text, Merck Animal Health (2026). https://drugs.com/vet/banamine-transdermal-can.html
[4] MEGLUDYNE Injection — product page — Virbac India — official product page (2026). https://in.virbac.com/home/cattle/products/anti-inflammatory/megludyne-injection-flunixin-meglumine-injection

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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