Dipyrone

What is dipyrone?

Dipyrone (Zimeta®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses to treat fever. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of pain in dogs and cats, as well as cattle and rabbits. In the US and Canada, it should not be used for food-producing animals.

Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label. 

How do I give my pet dipyrone?

• Dipyrone comes as an injectable solution that is given at the veterinary hospital.
• Injections are usually given into the vein (IV), but may also be given into the muscle (IM) or under the skin (SQ).
• Your veterinarian will determine the dose and frequency of injections.
• Dipyrone should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours due to its potential to increase blood clotting times.
• For treatment of fever in horses, dipyrone may be given for up to 3 days in duration.

This medication should take effect within six hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow, although they may not be visibly noticeable until one to two days after the start of treatment.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, arrange to have it given as soon as you can, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from dipyrone?

Dipyrone may cause the following side effects:

• Redness, pain and inflammation may occur at the site of injection.

The following reactions are rare; if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Infections that do not respond to treatment, do not appear to be healing, or are getting worse
• Loss of appetite, changes in eating or drinking habits diarrhea, or a change in manure consistency or color
• Change in urination amounts and frequency
• Unexpected weight loss
• Change in behavior, such as depression
• Unexplained bleeding, such as bloody nasal discharge
• Vomiting
• Colic in horses, or abdominal discomfort in other species

Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of the treatment (e.g., irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face) and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This medication is short-acting and the duration of effect lasts for 6 to 12 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication? 

DO NOT USE dipyrone in:

• Horses or pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs
• Horses or pets that are already being treated with another NSAID or corticosteroid medication (e.g., prednisone)
• Animals intended for food consumption

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Horses with kidney or liver disease
• Horses with a blood clotting disorder
• Horses with known gastrointestinal ulcers
• Horses that are less than 3 years of age
• Horses that are dehydrated, sick, old, or frail
• Horses that are taking diuretic medication (e.g., furosemide)
• Horses that are pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding (safe use has not been evaluated)

Pets using this drug off label (dogs, cats, rabbits) should consult with their veterinarian about risk factors for this medication.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Several medications should NOT BE USED with dipyrone, including:

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone)
• NSAIDs (e.g., meloxicam, flunixin, phenylbutazone)

Several medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with dipyrone, including:

• Acetaminophen
• Aminoglycosides
• Amphotericin B
• Anticoagulants (e.g., clopidogrel, heparins, rivaroxaban, warfarin)
• Chloramphenicol 
• Chlorpromazine
• Cyclosprorine
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
• Naloxone
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Trimethoprim
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Baseline blood work may be recommended to assess your pet's general health before starting this medication. Periodic blood work may be done for monitoring purposes.
• While on this medication, measure body temperature, level of pain control, and hydration status.
• Monitor for any signs of abnormal blood clotting.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian. 

How do I store dipyrone?

• Store this medication in the original container at room temperature (68°F -77°F or 20°C -25°C), and protect from light. 
• Use within 30 days of first use.
• Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.