Carodyl (Carprofen 75mg) Tablets

Carodyl general information

What is Carodyl used for?

Carodyl chewable tablets 75mg are a medication for dogs used to treat and manage the pain and inflammation that can be caused by osteoarthritis.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints and can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the legs, hips and backbone, which can restrict your dog’s activity and cause lameness.  Carodyl 75 can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility.  Carodyl 75 is also used to reduce pain following orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery in dogs.  Carodyl 75 is intended for use for dogs only and should not be given to cats or other pets.

How does Carodyl work?

Carodyl chewable tablets 75mg contain carprofen a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the propionic acid class that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic (reduces fever) properties.  NSAIDs inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme responsible for the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are mediators of a variety of cellular processes as well as inflammation.  There are two COX enzymes, COX1 which is needed for normal cell functions and COX-2 which is involved in the inflammatory process.  Carprofen in Carodyl 75 acts specifically on the inhibition of COX-2 resulting in anti-inflammatory activity which relieves the pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis.  Carodyl tablets 75mg are available as meaty flavoured chewable tablets that are more palatable and easier for dogs to swallow. 

What does Carodyl contain?

Carodyl chewable tablets 75mg contains the active ingredient carprofen a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis and surgery in dogs. 

Treating osteoarthritis in dogs with Carodyl

Carodyl 75 contains carprofen a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat dogs to help manage the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the legs, hips and backbone, which can restrict your dog’s activity and cause lameness.  Carprofen in Carodyl 75 specifically inhibits the COX-2 enzyme responsible for the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation.  The anti-inflammatory activity of carprofen in Carodyl 75 relieves the pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis.  

What are the side effects of Carodyl?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Carodyl include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy and behavioural changes.

When should Carodyl not be used?

You should not use Carodyl 75 if your dog:

• has a sensitivity reaction to carprofen or any other NSAID or any ingredients in Carodyl
• is younger than 6 months
• is pregnant or lactating
• has a heart condition, liver or kidney disease or bleeding disorders 
• has been given other NSAID medication, corticosteroids, some heart drugs (ACE inhibitors), some drugs for seizure control

How should Carodyl be given?

You should give your dog Carodyl 75 chewable tablets by mouth and with food.  The recommended dose is 2-4mg per kg body weight (2.2lb) per day given in two equally divided doses.  The same dose may be reduced to once daily after 7 days, depending on your dog’s response and your veterinarian’s recommendation.  You should see signs of improvement within a few days.  You should continue to give Carodyl 75 to your dog for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which may be long term, as Carodyl 75 will help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in your dog but will not cure your dog’s condition.

Dosage:

7-10kg (15.4–22lb)                     37.5mg in half tablet

14-18kg (30-39.6lb)                    75mg in one tablet

How long should you give Carodyl?

You should continue to give Carodyl 75 to your dog for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which may be long term, as. Carodyl 75 will help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in your dog but will not cure your dog’s condition.

Missed dose of Carodyl

If you miss a dose of Carodyl 75 give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Carodyl be stored?

You should store your Carodyl below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.