Carprofen
2-(6-chloro-9H-carbazol-2-yl)propanoic acid
Also known as: Rimadyl · Novox · Carprieve · Vetprofen · Quellin · Rovera · Canidryl · Carprodyl · Carprox Vet · Dolagis · Rimifin · Carprofeno · Carprofenum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis and Pain Management | 4.4 mg/kg | PO/SC/IV | q24h or divided q12h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Osteoarthritis and Pain Management: Can be given as a single daily dose or divided into 2.2 mg/kg twice daily.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-operative pain | 4 mg/kg | SC/IV | Single dose | One time only | 🌎 NA |
- Post-operative pain: Use with extreme caution in cats due to limited glucuronidation capacity; single dose only. Not approved for multi-day use in cats in many countries.
Small Mammals
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analgesia | 2-5 mg/kg | PO/SC | q12-24h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Analgesia: Commonly used in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents.
Ferrets
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analgesia | 1-2 mg/kg | PO/SC | q12-24h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
Birds
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analgesia | 1-2 mg/kg | PO/IM/SC | q12-24h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Analgesia: Dosing varies significantly by species.
Reptiles
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analgesia | 2-4 mg/kg | PO/IM/SC | q24-72h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Analgesia: Metabolism is highly temperature-dependent.
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain and Inflammation | 0.7 mg/kg | IV | q24h | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Pain and Inflammation: Used primarily outside the US.
Cattle
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjunct therapy for acute mastitis or respiratory disease | 1.4 mg/kg | SC/IV | Single dose | One time | 🌎 NA |
- Adjunct therapy for acute mastitis or respiratory disease: Approved in some regions outside the US.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the propionic acid class, widely used in veterinary medicine.
- Primary Use: Management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs.
- Clinical Pearl: While highly effective, it requires careful patient selection to avoid gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic adverse events.
Note: Carprofen is generally considered to be a COX-2 preferential NSAID, meaning it targets the inflammatory pathways while largely sparing the protective homeostatic functions of COX-1.
Mechanism of action
Carprofen produces its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects via the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
Arachidonic Acid → Cyclooxygenase (COX) → Prostaglandins & Thromboxanes
- COX-1 Sparing: It preferentially inhibits COX-2 (induced during inflammation) over COX-1 (constitutively expressed for GI and renal protection).
- Additional Mechanisms: May also inhibit the release of several prostaglandins and modulate cellular and humoral immune responses.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand disease)
- Active gastrointestinal ulceration
- Hypersensitivity to carprofen or other NSAIDs
- Concurrent use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Hepatopathy (rare, idiosyncratic)
- Renal toxicity
Precautions
Hepatotoxicity: A rare, idiosyncratic (non-dose-dependent) hepatocellular toxicosis has been reported, primarily in dogs (notably Labrador Retrievers, though any breed can be affected).
Renal & GI: Use with caution in dehydrated patients or those with pre-existing renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease.
Warning: Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids due to a significantly increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation. Ensure a washout period (typically 5-7 days) when switching between NSAIDs.
Drug interactions
Significantly increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and perforation.
Increased risk of GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity.
Potential for increased risk of renal toxicity and decreased hypotensive efficacy.
Potential for altered metabolism and increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
Decreased diuretic efficacy.
Monitoring
- Baseline blood work (CBC/Chemistry panel)
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin)
- Renal parameters (BUN, Creatinine, SDMA, USG)
- Clinical signs of GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea, melena)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Well absorbed orally, bioavailability >90% in dogs.
Distribution
Highly protein bound (>99%). Small volume of distribution.
Metabolism
Hepatic biotransformation (glucuronidation and oxidation).
Elimination
Primarily excreted in feces (biliary) and urine.
Overdose
Signs of Toxicity:
- GI: Vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena, GI ulceration/perforation.
- Renal: Acute kidney injury (AKI), polyuria, polydipsia.
- Hepatic: Elevated liver enzymes, icterus.
- Neurologic: Seizures or coma in massive overdoses.
Treatment:
- Decontamination: Emesis induction (if recent and asymptomatic), followed by activated charcoal.
- GI Protectants: Omeprazole, misoprostol, sucralfate.
- Fluid Therapy: IV crystalloids to support renal perfusion and promote diuresis.
- Monitoring: Serial monitoring of renal and hepatic values for at least 48-72 hours.
Available products
Formulations
- Chewable tablets
- Injectable solution
Veterinary
- Rimadyl chewable tablets: 25 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
- Rimadyl caplets: 25 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
- Rimadyl injectable: 50 mg/mL
- Generic carprofen tablets/caplets (various strengths)
Regulatory status
POM-V classification in the UK/EU.
POM-V classification.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and moisture.
Client information
Important Guidelines for Pet Owners:
- Administration: Always give this medication with a meal to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Stop Medication Immediately: If your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, dark/tarry stools, lethargy, or loss of appetite, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.
- No Human Drugs: Never give your pet human pain relievers (like Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin) while they are taking carprofen, as this can be fatal.
- Follow-up: Keep all scheduled appointments for blood work to ensure your pet's liver and kidneys are handling the medication well.
Safety First: Store out of reach of pets and children. The chewable tablets are highly palatable, and dogs may eat the entire bottle if they find it, leading to a severe overdose.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.