Flexoprofen for dogs

Flexoprofen is a veterinary analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug developed by the Russian company "VIK – Animal Health." It effectively relieves pain and inflammation associated with acute and chronic illnesses and various injuries in dogs.

Release form and composition features

Flexoprofen is an injection solution. It appears as a colorless, transparent liquid, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. The manufacturer uses dark glass bottles for packaging. Their capacity varies from 5 to 100 ml. When purchasing the medication from a pharmacy, consider the pet's size. Rubber stoppers and aluminum caps are used to seal the bottles. These ensure a hermetic seal, essential for long-term storage.

The active ingredient in this medication is ketoprofen. It is available in various concentrations of the active ingredient: 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The medication also contains additional components that perform auxiliary functions:

• citric acid;
• amino acid L-arginine;
• gasoline alcohol;
• purified water.

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

The price of Flexoprofen depends on the concentration and packaging size. A 10 ml bottle of 2.5% solution costs approximately 300 rubles, while a 50 ml bottle of 5% solution costs 670 rubles. The weakest solution is typically purchased for dogs. It can be purchased at a regular veterinary pharmacy or online. Since the medication is produced in Moscow, there are usually no shortages.

Properties and operating principle

Flexoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It has the following pharmacological properties:

• relieves pain of various types;
• has an antipyretic effect;
• eliminates inflammatory processes;
• reduces swelling.

The drug works because its active ingredient, ketoprofen, blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances involved in inflammatory processes. It begins to act within minutes, and the active substance concentration reaches its maximum within half an hour. Depending on the animal's size, breed, and other characteristics, the body can absorb 85-100% of the drug. It does not accumulate in the body or cause addiction.

The drug is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. Although Flexoprofen is classified as a low-hazard substance, it is important to follow the instructions when using it in dogs.

When and how is it applied?

Regarding indications, the medication is prescribed to suppress pain and inflammation in the following diseases of the musculoskeletal system:

• for arthritis;
• for arthrosis;
• with intervertebral disc herniation;
• in degenerative changes;
• for synovitis;
• for tenosynovitis, etc.

The medicine is also used:

• in case of injuries – fractures, dislocations, cracks, sprains;
• in the postoperative period;
• for colic;
• for pain of other etiology;
• in case of hyperthermia;
• for swelling and in other situations.

Important! This medication is considered safe and should not be used without a doctor's prescription. Incorrect dosage may result in an overdose and worsen your pet's condition.

According to the veterinary instructions, Flexoprofen injections are administered to dogs intramuscularly, intravenously, or subcutaneously. The injection is administered once daily for 1-5 days, depending on the severity of pain, the severity of the condition, and other factors.

The dosage is calculated as follows: 2 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of animal weight. To avoid miscalculating the dosage, it's important to pay attention to the active ingredient content of the product. For example, 1 ml of a 2.5% solution contains 25 mg of ketoprofen, while 1 ml of a 5% solution contains 50 mg.

Take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Missing doses may affect the drug's effectiveness. No side effects have been observed with first-time use or discontinuation of the medication, as per the instructions.

Please note! Flexoprofen is used to relieve symptoms (pain, swelling, fever), but it cannot address the underlying cause of the condition, so it is often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Contraindications and side effects

The instructions state that Flexoprofen should not be used to treat dogs in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• in case of liver failure;
• in case of renal failure and other serious kidney diseases;
• for gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer;
• in hemorrhagic syndrome.

If the medication is used in animals with chronic internal organ diseases, clinical blood and urine tests are regularly performed to help monitor liver and kidney function.

When taken at the recommended dose, the drug rarely causes side effects. To reduce the potential negative impact of the active ingredient on the digestive system and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines, it is prescribed in combination with ranitidine or another medication with a similar effect.

In case of overdose the following symptoms occur:

• vomit;
• nausea;
• indigestion.

If these occur, discontinue use of the medication. Individual intolerance to the medication may cause allergic reactions. These can manifest in various ways, including itching, redness, rash, and other symptoms. In such cases, discontinue use of the medication. The animal is prescribed antiallergic medications and symptomatic treatment as needed.

Flexoprofen should not be used for treatment in combination with the following groups of drugs:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• diuretics;
• blood thinning medications;
• glucocorticoids.

Important! Do not mix the injection solution with other medications.

How to store properly

Flexoprofen can retain its pharmacological properties only if stored properly. It's important to follow a few simple rules:

1. The medicine should be stored in its original, sealed packaging.
2. The storage location should be away from direct sunlight.
3. Air temperature: from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius.
4. Moderate air humidity (no more than 75%).
5. The drug should be stored away from food and pet food.

Keep this medication out of reach of children. If stored at 5°C, white crystals may form. These crystals disappear spontaneously when the temperature rises. This does not prevent the medication from being used in animals.

The medication's shelf life is 3 years from the date of manufacture. Please pay attention to expiration dates. Discard any spoiled medication.

Security measures

When administering Flexoprofen injections, the general rules for working with veterinary drugs should be followed:

1. After contact with the medicine, be sure to wash your hands.
2. People with hypersensitivity or a tendency toward allergic reactions should exercise extreme caution and avoid direct contact with the medication. Rubber gloves are recommended for this purpose.
3. If the drug gets into your eyes or skin, rinse them with running water.
4. If an allergy occurs, seek medical attention.

Empty bottles must not be used for any purpose at home. They must be recycled.

Owner reviews

Valentina, the spaniel's owner:

"Due to a pinched nerve after jumping from a height of 1.5 meters, the dog constantly yelped in pain. Flexoprofen injections effectively relieved the pain. While the medication was taking effect, the dog became active and cheerful. We found no side effects. A good product from a domestic manufacturer."

Mikhail, the boxer's owner:

"The dog started having joint problems. Initially, they tried to treat them with Chondrotron, but the pain was so severe that Jack refused to even get up. The doctor prescribed a painkiller. After five days of treatment, the dog was running around the apartment again. The pain never returned, but the medications to support his joint function were continued for an extended period."

Veterinarian Reviews

Evgeny Aleksandrovich, head physician of the veterinary clinic:

"Flexoprofen is a good domestic medication. Its main advantage is its relative safety, although it does sometimes cause side effects like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Personally, I rarely prescribe it, usually using foreign medications in my practice, but many of my colleagues have spoken highly of it."

Marina, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:

"This product relieves pain well, but I wouldn't overuse it. It has a negative impact on the gastrointestinal tract. I use it occasionally because I consider it safer than other painkillers. I've had cases of digestive problems in dogs. It's important to calculate the dosage correctly and avoid overdosing."

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• Rimadyl for dogs
• Diseases of old dogs