Tolfenamic Acid

Tolfenamic acid is a fenamate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug providing analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Veterinary applications include selected painful inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats and adjunctive treatment of inflammatory disease in livestock. Authorized clinical roles differ by formulation, host species and region.

Group

Fenamate NSAID

Mechanism of Action

Tolfenamic acid inhibits cyclooxygenase-mediated production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid. Reduced prostaglandin signaling decreases inflammatory vascular responses, sensitization of pain receptors and fever-associated hypothalamic signaling. These effects account for relief of pain, inflammation and pyrexia. Additional modulation of prostaglandin activity may contribute to its overall pharmacologic response.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Acute pain and inflammation	4 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days; Oral treatment for 3-5 days.
Acute pain and inflammation	4 mg/kg	SC, IM	Once	Injectable suggested for the first dose only; oral treatment may follow for 2-4 days.
Chronic pain	4 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Treat only on 3-5 consecutive days per week; retain the treatment-free days.

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Acute pain and inflammation	4 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days; Oral treatment for 3-5 days.
Acute pain and inflammation	4 mg/kg	SC, IM	Once	Injectable suggested for the first dose only; oral treatment may follow for 2-4 days.

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pneumonia-associated inflammation	2 mg/kg	IM	Once	Inject high in the neck; may repeat once after 48 hours.
Acute mastitis-associated inflammation	4 mg/kg	IV	Once

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Metritis-mastitis-agalactia	2 mg/kg	IM	Once

Indications

Treatment of acute painful inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats with a corresponding product.
Treatment of selected chronic musculoskeletal pain and inflammation in dogs.
Adjunctive control of inflammation and fever associated with bovine respiratory disease or acute mastitis alongside disease-directed treatment.
Adjunctive treatment of inflammation associated with porcine postpartum dysgalactia or metritis–mastitis–agalactia syndrome where supported by the product.

Contraindications

Active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding; NSAID hypersensitivity.
Use cautiously in dehydration or renal/hepatic impairment; anti-platelet activity makes preoperative use undesirable.

Interactions

Other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increase gastrointestinal injury.
Nephrotoxic drugs increase renal risk; effects of furosemide may be reduced.
Potential interactions with warfarin, digoxin and methotrexate.

Adverse effects

Vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding and renal injury.

Toxicity

Treat overdose with gastrointestinal protection and supportive care; monitor kidney function and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Tolfedine injection 40 mg/mL Use species-appropriate product instructions; this small-animal presentation is not assumed interchangeable with cattle IV formulations.	Injection	40 mg / mL	SC, IM
Tolfedine 6 mg tablets	Tablet	6 mg / tablet	PO
Tolfedine 30 mg tablets	Tablet	30 mg / tablet	PO
Tolfedine 60 mg tablets	Tablet	60 mg / tablet	PO

Monitoring and Administration

Monitor appetite, faeces, hydration and renal function. Limit repeated injectable use to the regimen specified.

Chronic canine treatment is intermittent, typically 3-5 consecutive days per week, rather than continuous unreviewed daily dosing.