Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous and transdermal flunixin meglumine in alpacas

Abstract

Selection of drugs for use in South American Camelids (SAC) is difficult due to lack of approved products for use in these species. Drugs and drug dosages are selected from limited published data or extrapolated from other species. Administration of intravenous (IV) medications to SAC can be difficult due to challenges in restraint, limited venous access, and unique cervical anatomy. Pharmaceuticals administered routes other than IV are attractive for use in SAC. Flunixin meglumine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in many species for its antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In cattle, flunixin meglumine is specifically labeled for IV administration. A new transdermal (TD) formulation of flunixin has been developed and approved for use in cattle. The topical nature and longer duration of action compared to IV flunixin make this product ideal for use in SAC. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IV and TD flunixin meglumine in alpacas.