This is a prescription drug, only to be dispensed by a licensed veterinarian. Only use this medication as directed by your veterinarian.

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) is a drug familiar to all professional horse people and many horse owners. This is a potent NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) most commonly used to treat abdominal pain but useful for a variety of conditions in the horse. It is available in injectable and paste formulations.

There are several concerns associated with the use of this medication. It is a powerful and effective drug for abdominal pain in the horse. The main concern is it's ability to mask the signs of colic (abdominal pain). This drug can make a horse appear normal when in fact they have a life threatening intestinal condition.

This may delay appropriate treatment and endanger the horse The drug's effects last 6-8 hours. For horses with mechanical obstruction of their intestine, when the drug's effects wear off, the signs of pain return. Critical time is lost meanwhile. Damage sustained to the intestine during this delay can result in the death of the horse. If you use flunixin for any reason, always contact your vet to let them know.

In a colic crisis, first call your vet. If you cannot reach them, and the horse is still in colic pain, then give 1cc IM of the 50mg injectable solution per 100 lbs of estimated body weight. Do not re-dose unless directed by your vet. ALWAYS WITHHOLD FEED UNTIL YOU CONTACT YOUR VET. Continue to try to contact your vet to advise them of the situation.

Flunixin (Banamine) at the appropriate dose is intended to be given IV by a vet. Horse owners regularly give the drug IM, which causes irritation to the tissues. There is a risk of a severe infection occurring at the injection site. Flunixin meglumine can be given orally but it takes longer to act and may not work well in a crisis.