Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a propionic-acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used widely in human medicine. Veterinary therapeutic experience is limited and includes historical or investigational anti-inflammatory use in large animals. Its occurrence in companion-animal practice is mainly as an accidental exposure, while veterinary analgesia generally relies on other agents with species-specific clinical data.

Group

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Mechanism of Action

Ibuprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase activity, reducing formation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. Lower inflammatory prostaglandin production reduces sensitization of pain pathways, vascular inflammatory responses and prostaglandin-mediated fever. Its nonselective action affects both COX-1- and COX-2-associated prostanoid pathways.

Dose Rates

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Musculoskeletal inflammation	25 mg/kg	PO	Every 8 h	Up to 6 days; Limited observational evidence; other veterinary NSAIDs generally offer a better established safety basis.

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Experimental endotoxin-associated mastitis	25 mg/kg	IV	Once	Experimental observation of systemic responses; not an established clinical treatment protocol.
Musculoskeletal inflammation	14–25 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Total daily dose; clinical safety evidence is limited.

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Musculoskeletal inflammation	14–25 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Total daily dose; clinical safety evidence is limited.

Goats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Musculoskeletal inflammation	14–25 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Total daily dose; clinical safety evidence is limited.

Indications

Historical or investigational management of musculoskeletal pain and inflammation in horses or ruminants, with limited clinical efficacy evidence.
Experimental reduction of inflammatory clinical signs in cattle with endotoxin-induced mastitis, with limited evidence for field treatment efficacy.

Contraindications

Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
Dehydration or impaired renal perfusion
Dogs and cats: safe dose not established

Interactions

Other NSAIDs and corticosteroids increase gastrointestinal injury.
Diuretics and ACE inhibitors may have reduced effect and greater renal risk.

Adverse effects

Vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
Renal injury

Toxicity

Overdose may cause gastrointestinal haemorrhage and acute kidney injury. Stop exposure and assess hydration, renal function and gastrointestinal injury.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Ibuprofen 200 mg tablet	Tablet	200 mg / tablet	PO
Ibuprofen 400 mg tablet	Tablet	400 mg / tablet	PO
Ibuprofen 600 mg tablet	Tablet	600 mg / tablet	PO
Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet	Tablet	800 mg / tablet	PO

Monitoring and Administration

Monitor appetite, vomiting, stool colour, hydration and renal function; stop treatment if gastrointestinal bleeding or renal injury develops.

A general equine discussion mentions 10-25 mg/kg without a complete route/schedule; the separate complete equine oral course is listed in doses.