Banamine (Flunixin meglumine) Dose for Horses & Cattle: Strengths & Dose Calculator
Banamine injection is flunixin 50 mg/mL from Merck Animal Health [1]. Horses get 0.5 mg/lb (1 mL per 100 lb) IV or IM once a day for up to 5 days; cattle get 1.1–2.2 mg/kg by slow IV injection for up to 3 days [1].
- Contains
- Flunixin meglumine
- Forms
- Banamine injection 50 mg/mL
- Label species
- Horses, Cattle
- Data from
- USA (FDA label)
- Type
- NSAID / pain relief
Banamine dose calculator
Results are calculated in your browser from the doses and strengths on this page. Check the strength printed on your pack and the label in your country before giving any dose.
Banamine strengths and presentations
| Presentation | Contains | Strength check |
|---|---|---|
| Banamine injection 50 mg/mL IV / IM (horses); IV only (cattle) | Flunixin meglumine 50 mg per mL[1] | Confirmed |
Banamine 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 1 mL per 45.4 kg[1] | IV or IM | Once daily · Up to 5 days | Label |
| Horses | Colic pain Label: 0.5 mg/lb — works out to 1.1 mg/kg (calculated). | 1.1 mg/kg[1] | IV | Label | |
| Cattle | Fever (BRD, endotoxaemia) Total daily dose not more than 2.2 mg/kg. | 1.1–2.2 mg/kg[1] | Slow IV | Once daily or split into 2 doses 12 h apart · Up to 3 days | Label |
| Cattle | Acute mastitis | 2.2 mg/kg[1] | IV | Once | Label |
Label directions
Warnings and precautions
Withdrawal periods
About flunixin meglumine (the active ingredient)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, nicotinic acid derivative — non-selective).
How it works
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [2]. Flunixin is a non-selective COX inhibitor [2].
Key safety points
- Banamine injection is approved only for IV use in cattle — IM injection has left violative residues in meat [1].
- Not for use in dry dairy cows, veal calves, breeding bulls or horses intended for food (Banamine label) [1].
- Pour-on: do not use in animals with liver, kidney or heart disease, gut ulceration or platelet disorders [3].
All about flunixin meglumine — doses by species and every brand →
Pack sizes
- 100 mL and 250 mL multi-dose vials; use within 28 days of first puncture [1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the Banamine dose for horses?
0.5 mg per lb — 1 mL per 100 lb — IV or IM once a day for up to 5 days [1].
Can Banamine be given IM to cattle?
No — the US label approves it only for IV use in cattle [1].
What is the Banamine milk withdrawal?
36 hours after the last treatment; meat 4 days [1].
Other brands of flunixin meglumine
More from MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US)
Banamine is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US). Strengths, species and withdrawal periods can differ between countries — always follow the pack insert in your country.
References
- BANAMINE (flunixin meglumine injection) — label
Passage read from this source
Each milliliter of BANAMINE (flunixin meglumine injection) contains 50 mg flunixin (equivalent to 83 mg flunixin meglumine),
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.
The recommended dose for the alleviation of pain associated with equine colic is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight.
- 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 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.