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Carprofen

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
9 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

At a glance

Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Osteoarthritis
Dose
2–4.4 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID (4.4mg/kg) or BID (2.2mg/kg)
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: Long-term with monitoring
Post-operative pain
Dose
2.2–4.4 mg/kg
Route
SC, IV
Frequency
Once pre-op, then PO BID
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: 3-7 days
🐈

Cat

Post-operative pain (single dose only)
Dose
1–4 mg/kg
Route
SC
Frequency
Single dose only
Max dose
20 mg
Duration: Single injection — NOT for repeated dosing in cats

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
25mg
Available in India
Strength
75mg
Available in India
Strength
100mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
50mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Cats — repeated oral dosing
    Not approved for repeated oral dosing in cats due to toxicity risk; single perioperative SC injection only
  • GI ulceration
    Worsens existing GI ulceration
  • Concurrent NSAIDs or corticosteroids
    Synergistic GI and renal toxicity
    MeloxicamPrednisoloneDexamethasone

Use with caution

  • Hepatic disease
    Labradors may have higher incidence of idiosyncratic hepatopathy

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic, especially Labradors)
Renal failure
Coagulopathy

Monitoring parameters

Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) at 2 weeks, then every 3-6 monthsRenal functionFaecal occult bloodAppetite

Interactions

Contraindicated — 5

Meloxicam
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition, greatly increased GI ulceration, renal, and hepatic risk
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow minimum 3-5 day washout period when switching.
Firocoxib
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity risk
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow 5-7 day washout when switching.
Grapiprant
contraindicated
Both are anti-inflammatory drugs targeting prostaglandin pathways; combined use increases GI and renal toxicity risk
Management: Do not combine. Allow 24-hour washout when switching. Grapiprant is an alternative, not an adjunct, to traditional NSAIDs.
Ketoprofen
contraindicated
Concurrent NSAID use dramatically increases GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity
Management: Never use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow appropriate washout period between switching.
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
contraindicated
Concurrent NSAIDs: synergistic GI and renal toxicity. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelets, compounding bleeding risk.
Management: NEVER combine. Washout 7-10 days from aspirin before starting any NSAID.

Major — 2

Prednisolone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid dramatically increases risk of GI ulceration and perforation
Management: AVOID concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between drugs.
Dexamethasone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: markedly increased GI ulceration and hemorrhage risk.
Management: Do not combine. Allow washout period (minimum 3-5 days NSAID; longer for depot steroids).

Moderate — 2

Furosemide
moderate
NSAIDs antagonize diuretic effect of furosemide by inhibiting renal prostaglandins. Risk of acute kidney injury.
Management: Monitor renal function and diuretic response. Avoid in hemodynamically unstable patients.
Benazepril
moderate
NSAID opposes ACE inhibitor renal hemodynamic protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent afferent arteriolar vasodilation.
Management: Monitor BUN/creatinine at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Common combination in geriatric dogs with OA + heart disease — requires monitoring.

Brands

International

Rimadyl
Zoetis
Carprodyl
Ceva

India

Rycarfa
Krka

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Carprofen?
Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) used in pets. Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
›What is Carprofen used for in pets?
Carprofen is used in veterinary medicine for: Osteoarthritis; Post-operative pain; Post-operative pain (single dose only).
›What is the Carprofen dose for dogs?
For dogs, Carprofen is typically dosed as follows — Osteoarthritis: 2–4.4 mg/kg PO SID (4.4mg/kg) or BID (2.2mg/kg); Post-operative pain: 2.2–4.4 mg/kg SC/IV Once pre-op, then PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Carprofen dose for cats?
For cats, Carprofen is typically dosed as follows — Post-operative pain (single dose only): 1–4 mg/kg SC Single dose only. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Carprofen?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic, especially Labradors), Renal failure, Coagulopathy.
›Does Carprofen need a prescription?
Yes. Carprofen is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Carprofen not be used?
Do not use Carprofen if: Cats — repeated oral dosing; GI ulceration; Concurrent NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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