|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Meclofenamate is chemically the same compound as meclofenamic
acid, which was marketed under the trade name of Arquel®. It is an
anthranilic-acid derivative with similar pharmacologic activity as aspirin.
Like other NSAIDs, meclofenamate is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase.
It is well absorbed orally with detectable levels being reached within
30 minutes and peak levels at one to four hours post administration. Interestingly,
full clinical response is thought to take 36-96 hours. Meclofenamate is
highly protein-bound; it is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the
urine and feces. Although meclofenamate has a transient effect on platelet
aggregation, it does not affect bleeding times. Meclofenamate was at one
time used as an NSAID in dogs, but now there are other canine-specific
NSAIDs that are considered safer.
Meclofenamate is used in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, including soft-tissue injury, bone and joint pathology and laminitis. It is thought to be particularly useful in chronic problems of the hoof, including navicular syndrome and laminitis. Because meclofenamate has a slow onset of full clinical action, other NSAIDs are more commonly used to treat colic or to reduce fevers.
Recent research has investigated the use of meclofenamate in embryo-transfer programs to improve conception rates when the synchronization of the recipient mares is not within the ideal window. Normally, embryo transfer in the horse is most successful when the recipient mare ovulates one to two days after the donor mare. In a study done at the University of Cambridge, 81 percent of the recipient mares treated with meclofenamate became pregnant even when they had ovulated as early as two to three days prior to the donor mare.
Meclofenamate is permitted under the therapeutic-substance
rules of the USEF. Further information regarding NSAID use at USEF competitions
may be found on their Web site, USEF.org.
The most common side effects are those seen with all
NSAIDs: decreased packed-cell volume due to bleeding, ulceration of the
mouth and GI tract, colic and diarrhea.
• NSAIDs should be used with particular caution
in horses with liver disease, decreased renal function or pre-existing
GI problems.
• Horses with heavy infestations of Gastrophelus may be more likely
to develop colic.
• Hypoproteinemic animals may require a lower dose in order to prevent
signs of toxicity.
• Meclofenamate crosses the placenta, and has been shown to delay
parturition in other species. It has also been shown to be teratogenic
in rodents although this research has not been borne out in the horse.
It should only be used in pregnant mares when the benefits of therapy
outweigh the potential risks.
• Meclofenamate should be used with additional caution with other
drugs that may cause GI ulceration, including corticosteroids or other
NSAIDs. In particular, combination with aspirin may increase blood loss
due to GI side effects.
• Early signs of chronic NSAID toxicity include anorexia, colic,
diarrhea, and ulcers.
• In the event of an acute overdose, GI emptying through nasogastric
lavage and supportive monitoring and care may be helpful. In humans, seizures
and renal failure have occurred following massive overdose. Electrolyte
and fluid balance should be monitored and managed. IV diazepam may be
used for seizures.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
To help protect veterinary staff and patients from unnecessary exposure to chemotherapy medications and waste, this handling sheet will be included with all chemotherapy prescriptions we dispense.
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
Request a Brochure | Request a Formulation Consultation
Compound Medications |
Veterinary Medicine | Compounding
Pharmacy
Veterinary Medications | Information
on Expired Medications | Sitemap | Partners
Wedgewood
Pharmacy
405 Heron Drive Suite 200 • Swedesboro, NJ 08085-1749 • 888.678.1967
Copyright © 2004-2009 Wedgewood Village Pharmacy, Inc. All rights reserved.
