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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

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

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

Frequency

Single dose only

Max dose

20 mg

Duration: Single injection — NOT for repeated dosing in cats

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only