Flunixin meglumine (Banamine®) is an extremely useful and practical NSAID that is commonly used in equine veterinary practice (and the horse industry) for the treatment of abdominal pain (colic). It is intended to be given orally or intravenously (iv), although many give the IV injectable solution IM.

Flunixin meglumine is also useful for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation but is not used as much as some other NSAIDs for this purpose. It also is known to work well in the treatment of eye inflammation.

Flunixin meglumine has potent anti-inflammatory effects at a lower dose than is required for pain relief.

Flunixin meglumine is of the same drug class as bute, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, the so called NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and works by reducing the formation of prostaglandins, a group of molecules that take part in inflammation, a natural response to injury. These inflammatory pathways also lead to swelling and pain. By reducing prostaglandin formation, pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) are decreased also. Flunixin is also a potent fever reducer and generally makes ill horses feel better.

It's important to know that there are a number of "good" or "house-keeping" prostaglandins that perform protective functions in the body. Flunixin meglumine eliminates these also, and this exposes certain body systems to injury. The two organs in the horse that tend to be damaged by NSAIDS are the intestine and the kidney.

Vets use this drug extensively as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, but with knowledge of flunixin's nature and its potential side effects.

Although this drug requires a vet’s prescription, many horse owners and equestrian professionals keep flunixin meglumine on hand to treat their horses for abdominal pain (colic). Unfortunately, many do not understand the nature of this drug. They do not know what the underlying condition (Diagnosis) is, and they use this drug inappropriately, which can be life-threatening to the horse.

I dispense injectable flunixin meglumine to clients that I trust and with whom I have a valid VCPR (Vet-Client-Patient Relationship), with the understanding that they will call me to discuss the situation before they give this drug to their horse. Medications like flunixin can mask signs of an underlying problem. Recognize that giving this medication will also complicate your vet's interpretation of the horse's problem.

When using this medication for colic pain, it is CRITICAL to remove all feed and monitor how long it takes for a horse's signs of pain to diminish. Pain may recur when the medication wears off. If signs of pain return after you gives your horse one dose of pain medication, the horse probably has a more serious problem and must be examined by a vet. Many horses in colic pain will improve when given this drug. The question is whether pain will recur, and this will depend on the diagnosis of the CCC (Condition Causing Colic).

Flunixin (Banamine) at the appropriate dose is intended to be given IV by a veterinarian. Horse owners regularly give the drug IM, which causes irritation to the tissues. Flunixin meglumine solution can be given orally at the same dose, but it takes longer to act and may not work well in a colic crisis.