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 [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].
- Drug class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, nicotinic acid derivative — non-selective)
- Sourced doses for
- Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Camels, Pigs, Dogs
- Brands on this site
- Banamine, Banamine Transdermal, Megludyne, Resflor Gold
Flunixin meglumine dose calculator
Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.
Flunixin meglumine 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 | Banamine Transdermal only |
| 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 |
What flunixin meglumine is used for
How flunixin meglumine works (mechanism of action)
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1]. Flunixin is a non-selective COX inhibitor [1].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
- 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
Withdrawal periods belong to a product and a country — the rows below name the product they come from. Always follow the label of the product you use.
| Species | Product | Withdrawal | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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] |
Brands that contain flunixin meglumine
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banamine | MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US) | Flunixin meglumine | USA (FDA label) |
| Banamine Transdermal | MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US) | Flunixin meglumine | Canada |
| Megludyne | Virbac India | Flunixin meglumine | India |
| Resflor Gold | MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US) | Florfenicol + Flunixin meglumine | USA (FDA label) |
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
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals
Passage read from this source
In the US, the nicotinic acid derivative flunixin (as the meglumine salt) is approved for use in horses
Flunixin is a nonselective COX inhibitor.
A topical formulation also has been approved for use in cattle.
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
- BANAMINE (flunixin meglumine injection) — label
Passage read from this source
The recommended dose for musculoskeletal disorders is 0.5 mg per pound (1 mL/100 lbs) of body weight once daily.
Treatment may be given by intravenous or intramuscular injection and repeated for up to 5 days.
1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg (0.5 to 1 mg/lb; 1 to 2 mL per 100 lbs) of body weight given by slow intravenous administration
either once a day as a single dose or divided into two doses administered at 12-hour intervals for up to 3 days.
- BANAMINE Transdermal (flunixin pour-on) — Canadian label
Passage read from this source
Apply a single total dose of 3.3 mg flunixin per kg bodyweight (equivalent to 1 mL/15 kg bodyweight) topically
Treated cattle must not be slaughtered for use in food for at least 13 days after the latest treatment with this drug.
Do not use in animals with hepatic disease, renal and cardiovascular impairment,
- MEGLUDYNE Injection — product page
Passage read from this source
1.1 mg to 2.2 mg FLUNIXIN per kg body weight or 1 ml to 2 ml of MEGLUDYNE per 45 kg body weight,
1 mg FLUNIXIN per kg body weight given by slow I/V or I/M injection route.
1 mg to 2 mg FLUNIXIN per kg body weight given by S/C or slow I/V.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.