Dipyrone

Dipyrone 50%
Description
Dipyrone is an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (blocks pain). It is supplied as a 50 percent solution (i.e., 1 cc = 500 mg).

Indications
Dipyrone is used to control fevers (e.g., during a viral illness). Dipyrone is also helpful in some cases of colic, at the same dosage as listed above, when pain is mild to moderate. It is interesting to note that dipyrone was relatively ineffective in relieving experimentally induced colic pain in animals who had balloons inflated inside their intestinal tract, to simulate the pressure/pain caused by a section of intestine that is greatly distended with gas or fluids. It is well known that many cases of colic do respond to dipyrone. It is unclear whether the horses that respond do so because their pain was not as intense as in the experimental model, or because their pain has its origin in some other cause.

Dosage and route of administration
Dipyrone is recommended at a dose of 5-10 grams/horse. It may be given subcutaneously, intravenously, or intramuscularly. Dosage may be repeated up to 3 times daily (every 8 hours).

Specific Precautions
Store between 59 and 86F 15-30°C.

Side effects (toxicity)
Rapid intravenous injection or over dosage can result in seizures. Caution is recommended when using in aged or debilitated horses or horses with cardiac (heart) disease.

Prolonged use may result in depression of some types of white blood cells.
Regular monitoring of blood counts is recommended when prolonged use is indicated.

Drug Interaction
Do not use in conjunction with barbiturates, chlorpromazine, or phenylbutazone

Pregnancy and nursing
No information available.

Horseman’s Comments

Dipyrone is one of the drugs that would make me very nervous if I didn’t have it on hand when caring for horses. This is in my opinion number one emergency product (drug), which is a must in any responsible stable. This drug can surely one day save your horse; “don’t own one without it”!

For use in colic

This product is effective in most cases of colic during my experience over many years. First and for most I favor this product to Banamine, because it is not as effective pain killer and it will not mask more serious cases of colic that need hospital treatment. At the first sign of colic I immediately administer 10 cc IV and 10 cc IM (or 20cc IM if not comfortable with IV injection), because the immediate help to the effected animal is of the essence. After that I should see positive effects of Dipyrone within 30 minutes and if the horse is not better within one hour then I transport him to a veterinary clinic (if possible), since it is obvious that the colic is more serious. Even if the treatment with Dipyrone was successful I still called the veterinarian (when the colic started) to make proper examination and evaluation of the problem and of course I informed him/her about the previous treatment with Dipyrone. From my experiences, most vets were very happy that I have treated the horses and did not wait for them, because the sooner we help the horse in colic the lesser the chances of more serious complications.

For the use in fever reduction

Again I prefer this product before Butazolidin as well as Banamine in reduction of fever, especially when associated with some form of viral infection of the respiratory system. The Bute is not one of my favorites in the use in reduction of fevers associated with virus, because it will hinder to some point the body’s ability to fight the virus. The Dipyrone works just as well, if not better, yet it has lesser side effects than Bute and seemingly does not hinder the body’s defense mechanism against the virus. I do not like to reduce the fever in the case of viral infection below 103 degrees F, because it is the fever that the horse’s body is using to defeat the virus.

All in all, the Dipyrone is a “God sent” and I would not feel comfortable to be responsible for any horse without having it on hand. As most of you are aware, the availability of Dipyrone is somewhat limited in the US on account of the “dairy folks” (see below). It is however available for purchase from various on line stores, but only by the order of a veterinarian. You will need a prescription from your vet in order to purchase it, and I am sure that most vets will be more than happy to oblige for the sake of the animal in care.

abstracted from AABP Newsletter, January and July 1996:

Dipyrone is an unapproved prescription product which has been permitted to be sold under regulatory discretion. The labeled use of Dipyrone is as an injectable analgesic/antipyretic for horses, dogs and cats. The label specifically prohibits the use of this product in food-producing animals. The scientific literature lacks adequate data to show that Dipyrone is safe and effective in animals. There is no information on pharmacokinetics, and no regulatory method for assay of Dipyrone residue or its metabolites in milk or meat.

On April 10, 1996, the chief of the Milk Safety Branch released the following statement (in part): “Dipyrone is not approved for use in animals. Dairy farmers, veterinarians and consultants should be aware that the use of Dipyrone is illegal drug use. Drug manufacturers/distributors have been given until September 1996 to remove this drug from distribution/sales channels. If Dipyrone is observed on a dairy farm during a rating or check rating inspection after March 1, 1997, it would be in violation of Item 16r(i) of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.”