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Rimadyl: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Rimadyl - General Information

Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used by veterinarians as a supportive treatment for the relief of arthritic symptoms in geriatric dogs. Rimadyl was previously used in human medicine for over 10 years (1985-1995). It was generally well tolerated, with the majority of adverse effects being mild, such as gastro-intestinal pain and nausea, similar to those recorded with aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is no longer marketed for human usage, after being withdrawn on commercial grounds. [Wikipedia]

 

Pharmacology of Rimadyl

Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the propionic acid class that includes ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. It is no longer used in the clinical setting, but is approved for use in dogs. Rimadyl is non-narcotic and has characteristic analgesic and antipyretic activity approximately equipotent to indomethacin in animal models.

 

Additional information about Rimadyl

Rimadyl Indication

For use as a pain reliever in the treatment of joint pain and post-surgical pain.

Mechanism Of Action
The mechanism of action of carprofen, like that of other NSAIDs, is believed to be associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity. Two unique cyclooxygenases have been described in mammals. The constitutive cyclooxygenase, COX-1, synthesizes prostaglandins necessary for normal gastrointestinal and renal function. The inducible cyclooxygenase, COX-2, generates prostaglandins involved in inflammation. Inhibition of COX-1 is thought to be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity while inhibition of COX-2 provides anti-inflammatory activity. In an in vitro study using canine cell cultures, carprofen demonstrated selective inhibition of COX-2 versus COX-1.
Generic Name
Carprofen
Synonyms
Carprofene [inn-french]; Carprofeno [inn-spanish]; Carprofenum [inn-latin]; 6-Chloro-alpha-methylcarbazole-2-acetic acid; 6-Chloro-alpha-methyl-9H-carbazole-2-acetic acid; 2-(6-Chloro-9H-carbazol-2-yl)propanoic acid
Drug Category
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Photosensitizing Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Carprofen
Rimadyl; Ridamyl;
Absorption
Rapidly and nearly completely absorbed (more than 90% bioavailable) when administered orally.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of NSAID overdose include dizziness and nystagmus. Oral LD50 in mouse and rat is 282 mg/kg and 149 mg/kg, respectively.
Protein Binding
High (99%)
Biotransformation
Hepatic.
Half Life
Approximately 8 hours (range 4.5–9.8 hours) in dogs.
Dosage Forms of Rimadyl
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
2-(6-chloro-9H-carbazol-2-yl)propanoic acid
Chemical Formula
C15H12ClNO2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals