Flunixin Meglumine/Cimetidine Paste

Paste medications are thick and sticky, usually given by mouth using a syringe or tube. They’re often used for dewormers or other oral meds in horses, dogs, and cats. The key is to aim for the back of the mouth so your pet swallows the paste instead of spitting it out.

For Horses:

1. Set the dose on the syringe if it has markings (usually based on weight).
2. Stand beside your horse, not in front, and have someone hold them if possible.
3. Gently insert your thumb into the side of the horse’s mouth (between the teeth) to open it.
4. Insert the syringe into that gap and squirt the paste toward the back of the tongue.
5. Lift the horse’s head slightly and encourage swallowing by stroking the throat or gently blowing on the nostrils.
6. Watch for licking or chewing—that means they swallowed. If paste spills out, check how much was lost and contact your vet if unsure.
7. You can offer a little water afterward and reward them with a treat like a carrot if allowed.

For Dogs & Cats:

1. Gently open your pet’s mouth or slip the syringe into the side of it.
2. Aim toward the back of the tongue and squirt the paste in.
3. Hold the mouth closed briefly, and rub the throat or blow gently on the nose to encourage swallowing.
4. Give praise or a treat afterward to make it a positive experience.

Aftercare:

1. Wipe your pet’s mouth if needed.
2. Clean or recap the syringe as instructed.
3. Store the tube according to label directions.

Tip: Paste can feel weird to pets at first. For horses, try giving applesauce by syringe ahead of time so they get used to the sensation.

This compounded formulation combines flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with cimetidine, an H2-receptor antagonist — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.

This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Commonly observed effects of flunixin meglumine/cimetidine administration include localized irritation at the site of injection or mild gastrointestinal changes such as loose manure. Because flunixin is an NSAID, your veterinarian will monitor for signs of kidney health shifts, particularly in patients that are dehydrated or have pre-existing renal concerns. Gastric or colonic irritation remains a point of professional consideration with any NSAID therapy; owners should watch for subtle behavioral shifts such as "girthiness," grinding of teeth or a decreased interest in feed. If you observe dark or tarry stools, persistent colic symptoms or signs of physical distress, contact your veterinarian promptly.

This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in animals with known renal or hepatic impairment or those with active gastrointestinal ulceration requiring an alternative clinical protocol. It is also carefully evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, as the safety profile for developing foals continues to be a subject of clinical awareness. Before starting a protocol involving this combination, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your horse is receiving, as cimetidine can influence the metabolism of other medications processed by the liver. Your veterinarian is the right person to design a comprehensive monitoring plan and provide guidance on the necessary duration of use to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your horse's individual health status. Always consult your veterinarian about the appropriate duration of use and whether your horse's competitive status requires a withdrawal period. Flunixin (an NSAID) is subject to detection in equine medication-testing programs and specific withdrawal times vary by jurisdiction and governing body.