Banamine® Paste (Brand)

Who is it for?
Banamine is for horses.

What are the benefits?

Banamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that contains flunixin. It is capable of reducing redness, swelling, heat, and pain associated with tissue damage.

How does Banamine work?
Banamine works by reducing the production of chemicals made by the cells that trigger inflammation. This reduces the redness, swelling, heat, and pain associated with tissue damage.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Not in paste form.

How is it given?
Banamine is administered orally with food to reduce the chance of stomach/intestinal side effects. Provide fresh water at all times, since lack of water could increase the risk of injury to the kidneys.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

What results can I expect?
Banamine does not cure a disease but can effectively reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation. The response varies from horse to horse, but can be dramatic. Pain relieving effects can generally be seen within hours of giving Banamine. Improvement of inflammation can generally be seen after several days.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in orally-administered paste form, but an injectable form is also available.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Pronunciation
BAN-a-meen

Common Drug Name
Flunixin meglumine

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Banamine?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your horse is taking Banamine. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your horse.

Tell your veterinarian if your horse may be pregnant, or has liver, kidney or heart disease.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your horse is taking, especially aspirin, phenylbutazone, or steroids such as predisone. Also inform your veterinarian if your horse has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your horse is taking, especially aspirin, phenylbutazone, or steroids such as predisone.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in horses hypersensitive (allergic) to Banamine or similar medications. Use with caution in horses with gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers or kidney disease.

Use with caution in pregnant or lactating horses, and only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Not for use in horses intended for food.

What side effects may be seen when taking Banamine?
Side effects with oral Banamine are extremely rare. Damage to the kidney is more likely to occur if the horse is dehydrated.

How is it stored?
Store between 36-86°F in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Should an overdose occur, stomach ulcers may develop, in which case you may see loss of appetite; diarrhea; dark, tarry or, bloody stools; or constipation. May also see depression and increased thirst and urination, or changes in the urine color or smell. If you know or suspect your horse has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Banamine?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your horse is taking while receiving flunixin. Consult your veterinarian before using flunixin with phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants, other NSAIDS such as aspirin or phenylbutazone, corticosteroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone, sulfa drugs, methotrexate and diuretics such as furosemide (Salix), since interactions and an increase of side effects may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.