Ricarfa for dogs
Ricarfa is an effective pain-relieving medication with anti-inflammatory properties used in dogs with injuries and musculoskeletal problems. It belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class and was developed by the renowned Slovenian pharmaceutical company KRKA.
Content
General description
For convenient and effective use, the manufacturer produces the drug in two forms: tablets and an injection solution. Injections are more suitable for relieving severe pain and providing emergency treatment for injuries, while tablets are typically used to treat chronic conditions.
Ricarf injection solution is a clear, pale yellow liquid whose main component is carprofen. The medicinal liquid is packaged in dark glass vials, each containing 20 ml.
Please note! Store the solution in the refrigerator (at a temperature of 2 to 8˚C). Once opened, the product can only be used for 4 weeks and must then be discarded.
Ricarfa tablets are dark brown in color and have a non-uniform structure with dark inclusions. One side has a score line that allows the tablet to be divided into equal parts. Carprofen content per tablet is available in 20, 50, and 100 mg strengths, although the drug with the highest concentration is rarely available in pharmacies due to low demand.
In addition to a number of auxiliary components, the composition includes a flavoring agent that gives the tablets a meaty aroma.
Price
The average price of Ricarfa in popular online pharmacies is as follows:
- 20 tablets – 300-400 rubles depending on concentration;
- solution, 20 ml – 2000-2500 rub.
The price may be slightly higher in regular pharmacies. Prices sometimes vary even between pharmacies in the same city or neighborhood. Purchasing the solution for home use is generally impractical, as most of it is usually thrown away. One bottle can only be used for 1-2 injections.
Properties
The drug's pharmacological properties are due to its content of carprofen. This component works by inhibiting the production of substances involved in inflammatory processes, resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect. By blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins (substances involved in the development of inflammation), swelling is reduced and redness is reduced.
Ricarfa, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also has an antipyretic effect. The drug also has pronounced analgesic properties.
When administered as tablets, carprofen reaches its peak blood concentration within 1-3 hours. When administered as injections, the drug begins to act much faster, which is why it is used for severe, acute pain. The half-life of the drug's components in the body is 8-10 hours, depending on the animal's characteristics (age, weight, general health, and other factors). After metabolism, which occurs in the liver, the active substance is eliminated from the body in feces and urine.
When used
According to the instructions, Ricarfa for dogs is used to treat musculoskeletal disorders:
- dysplasia;
- arthritis;
- osteochondrosis;
- arthrosis;
- synovitis, etc.
The drug is used exclusively to relieve symptoms, so it is often combined with chondroprotectors and other drugs whose action is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.
The medication can be used to relieve pain and swelling in various injuries:
- in case of fractures;
- for sprains;
- for severe burns;
- for lacerations and cuts;
- in case of dislocations, etc.
The medication is sometimes used to prevent complications and improve animal well-being after surgery. It is also suitable for pain relief during painful medical procedures.
Please note: It is not recommended to use this medication without a veterinarian's prescription.
How to apply
The specifics of drug administration depend on the dosage form. If an injectable solution is used, injections are administered intravenously or subcutaneously. The latter option is often preferred, as most dog owners can administer the subcutaneous injection themselves. For acute pain or inflammation relief, a single injection is given. The dosage is calculated as follows: 4 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of body weight. Since 1 ml contains 50 mg of caprprofen, this amount of medication is calculated for an animal weighing 12.5 kg. If necessary, the injection is repeated, but the dose is halved to 2 mg/kg. If symptoms are severe, tablets are used instead of injections.
Please note! Ricarf injections should not be administered to animals intramuscularly.
The manufacturer added meat flavoring to the tablets to encourage animals to eat them themselves. In practice, most dogs refuse to eat the medication on their own due to the bitter taste, so it's necessary give it forciblyIt's best to place the tablets on the back of the tongue to prevent your pet from spitting them out. You can also try disguising them in a small amount of food.
According to the instructions, the daily dose of Ricarfa for dogs is 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. When purchasing tablets, consider the concentration of the active ingredient and the animal's weight. For example, a tablet with 20 mg of carprofen is designed for a 5 kg weight, 50 mg for 12.5 kg, and 100 mg for 25 kg. It is best to divide the daily dose into two doses to reduce the toxic effect on the animal's body. In this case, the medication can be administered morning and evening. The drug should be administered daily. The duration of treatment is determined by a doctor. If long-term treatment is required, after 7 days, the daily dose is reduced by half to 2 mg/kg.
Limitations and side effects
Pain relievers are contraindicated for dogs in the following cases:
- During pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage or premature birth, which can result in the death of the puppies, increases. The active substance is quite toxic and can negatively affect the development of the offspring.
- In case of intolerance to the components. If you have previously had an intolerance to carprofen or any of its excipients, a severe allergic reaction may occur. In this case, the harm from the drug will outweigh the benefit.
- For severe diseases of the liver, kidneys and heart. The medication increases the load on these organs. In the presence of serious pathologies, this can lead to complications and serious deterioration of health.
Please note! It is strictly forbidden to combine Ricarfa with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, Ricarfa should not be combined with blood thinning medications, glucocorticoids, or diuretics.
Dogs tolerate Ricarfa well if the recommended dose is not exceeded. Gastric irritation and vomiting may occasionally occur. The risk of these symptoms increases with higher dosages. If vomiting occurs, discontinue treatment. Treatment involves medications to remove the active substance from the body and medications to relieve symptoms.
Allergies caused by intolerance to the ingredients can cause skin reactions, nausea, and other symptoms. If signs of an allergy appear, your pet should be given an antiallergic medication. To reduce the risk of gastric irritation, Ranitidine or medications with similar effects are sometimes used in conjunction with Ricarfa.
Owner reviews
Svetlana, the Labrador's owner:
"Our dog is very active, constantly running, and can jump over small obstacles. One day, we noticed he was limping. We didn't think much of it at first, but then he stopped running. We went to the clinic, and the doctor diagnosed joint inflammation. He prescribed Ricarfa. He refused to take the pills, so we had to force them on him, but the main thing is the result. Now our handsome fellow is running regularly again."
Andrey, owner of an English bulldog:
"As the dog aged, he began to develop joint problems. The arthritis became chronic. Throughout the illness, he experienced several flare-ups. During these periods, painkillers were essential. We tried many medications. Ricarfa proved to be very effective. It works quickly and effectively, but without any side effects. For comparison purposes Rimadyl (the same active ingredient) caused severe vomiting in the dog."
Veterinarian Reviews
Igor, a veterinarian at a Moscow clinic:
"I consider Ricarfa one of the best painkillers. Compared to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including those produced abroad, it rarely causes gastritis and other digestive problems. To reduce its negative effects, I usually prescribe it with Quamatel. It provides fast and effective pain relief."
Inna, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:
"Ricarfa has long been used at our clinic as an effective pain reliever. I prescribe it for joint problems, fractures, and bruises. It's most often prescribed to large breed dogs, as they are more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal problems. The medication has contraindications, so I wouldn't recommend using it for self-medication."
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