Phenylbutazone Paste (Generic)

Who is it for?
Phenylbutazone is for horses.

What are the benefits?

Phenylbutazone is a synthetic, non-hormonal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever reducer) compound useful for relief of inflammatory conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system in horses.

How does Phenylbutazone work?
Phenylbutazone blocks the body's production of substances that trigger inflammation.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Phenylbutazone is the generic equivalent.

How is it given?
Phenylbutazone comes in a paste form in a multi-dose syringe. If you are unfamiliar with how to use this type of syringe, have your veterinarian or veterinary staff show you how to accurately measure how much to give. Deposit the paste on the back of the tongue. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

This medication should only be given to the horse for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Phenylbutazone 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 phenylbutazone. Improvement of inflammation can generally be seen after several days. Phenylbutazone is not a cure for arthritis, and the signs may come back if phenylbutazone is discontinued.

What form(s) does it come in?
Paste

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

Brand Name
Phenylzone

Pronunciation
fen-l-byoo-tuh-zohn

Common Drug Name
Phenylbutazone

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Phenylbutazone for my horse?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your horse is taking phenylbutazone. 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. For arthritic horses, weight loss programs, exercise programs, supplements, and other aids may be helpful.

Tell your veterinarian if your horse has liver or kidney disease, stomach ulcers, has a bleeding disorder, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your horse.

Discuss withdrawal times if your horse is a performance horse.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your horse is taking, and also 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?
At the first sign of side effects (listed below), contact your veterinarian.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in horses hypersensitive (allergic) to phenylbutazone. Do not use in horses with stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers, horses that are anemic, or have diseases of the bone marrow, kidney, liver, or heart.

Do not use in pregnant or lactating horses unless benefits outweigh the risks. Avoid use in debilitated horses, foals, and ponies unless benefits outweigh the risks, since the possibility of toxic side effects is increased in these animals.

Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with phenylbutazone.

Provide fresh water at all times, since lack of water could increase the risk of injury to the kidneys.

Since phenylbutazone can mask lameness, it is unethical to use it prior to a soundness exam.

What side effects may be seen when taking Phenylbutazone?[Back to Important Information]
May see signs of oral or gastric ulcers. In adult horses these signs may include decreased appetite, weight loss, mild colic, poor performance, depression, lying down more than normal, diarrhea, accumulation of fluid under the belly, and anemia with signs of pale gums and weakness. In foals may also see teeth grinding, drooling, weakness, and nursing for only short periods of time. Effects related to the kidney may result in changes in drinking or urination habits. Stop using phenylbutazone and consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.

If your horse experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
May see changes in drinking and urinating including blood in the urine; increased breathing rate, weakness, or seizures; liver injury, with yellowing of the gums and whites of the eyes; anemia, with pale gums; or ulcers in the mouth or stomach, with signs of pain, loss of appetite and weight loss. 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 Phenylbutazone?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your horse is taking while receiving phenylbutazone.

Consult your veterinarian before using phenylbutazone with phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, corticosteroids, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, penicillin G, furosemide (Salix), and other NSAIDS such as aspirin and flunixin (Banamine), since interactions may occur.

Phenylbutazone may affect laboratory test results for thyroid hormone.

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.