Banamine brand of flunixin meglumine is the pioneer injectable nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for cattle and horses in the United States. Banamine reduces the fever and lung inflammation that typically accompany bovine respiratory disease (BRD). With Banamine as part of a BRD treatment program, cattle feel better fast. Cattle pulled for BRD and treated with Banamine (flunixin meglumine) in addition to an antibiotic visited the feed bunk more frequently (P < 0.10), spent more time at the feed bunk (P < 0.05), and had significantly reduced rectal temperature during a 12-hour period post-treatment than cattle treated with an antibiotic alone. They also have reduced lung inflammation and fewer lung lesions than cattle treated with conventional therapies.
Each milliliter of BANAMINE contains flunixin meglumine equivalent to 50mg flunixin, 0.1mg edetate disodium, 2.5mg sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, 4.0mg diethanolamine, 207.2mg propylene glycol; 5.0mg phenol as preservative, hydrochloric acid, water for injection qs.
Description
Banamine® is a brand name. Flunixin meglumine is the drug name but many people refer to it by the popular brand name “Banamine®” made by Merck. Another popular brand name is “Prevail.” This medication is available in injectable liquid and oral paste formulations. I will be using the term “flunixin” to refer to this medication in this article which is synonymous with the more commonly used “Banamine®.”
Indications
Cattle: BANAMINE is indicated for the control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease, endotoxemia and acute bovine mastitis. BANAMINE is also indicated for the control of inflammation in endotoxemia.
Administration and Dosage
Horse: The recommended dose for musculoskeletal disorders is 0.5mg per pound (1 mL/100 lbs) of body weight once daily. Treatment may be given by intravenous or intramuscular injection and repeated for up to five days. Studies show onset of activity within two hours. Peak response occurs between 12 and 16 hours and duration of activity is 24 to 36 hours.
The recommended dose for the alleviation of pain associated with equine colic is 0.5mg per pound of body weight. Intravenous administration is recommended for prompt relief. Clinical studies show pain is alleviated in less than 15 minutes in many cases. Treatment may be repeated when signs of colic recur. During clinical studies approximately 10% of the horses required one or two additional treatments. The cause of colic should be determined and treated with concomitant therapy.
Cattle: The recommended dose for cattle for control of pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease and endotoxemia and control of inflammation in endotoxemia is 1.1 to 2.2mg/kg (0.5 to 1mg/lb; 1 to 2 mL per 100 lbs) of body weight given by slow intravenous administration either once a day as a single dose or divided into two doses administered at 12-hour intervals for up to three days. The total daily dose should not exceed 2.2mg/kg (1.0mg/lb) of body weight. Avoid rapid intravenous administration of the drug. The recommended dose for acute bovine mastitis is 2.2mg/kg (1mg/lb: 2 mL per 100 lbs) of body weight given once by intravenous administration.
Contraindications
Cattle: NSAIDs inhibit production of prostaglandins which are important in signaling the initiation of parturition. The use of flunixin can delay parturition and prolong labor which may increase the risk of stillbirth. Do not use BANAMINE (flunixin meglumine injection) within 48 hours of expected parturition. Do not use in animals showing hypersensitivity to flunixin meglumine. Use judiciously when renal impairment or gastric ulceration are suspected.
Prices of Banamine Orally For Cattle
$23.10 – $44.00