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Tolfenamic Acid

medicationWhy has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Tolfenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian may prescribe tolfenamic acid to reduce pain in arthritis or to reduce fever.

How does this medicine work?

Tolfenamic acid blocks the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that trigger pain and inflammation, therefore these responses are reduced.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Give this medication with food.

- For chronic arthritis, this medicine may be given for a few days of every week. Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be given.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Do not give this medication for longer than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant.

- Potential side effects of veterinarian include mild stomach upset and vomiting. Notify your veterinarian if side effects appear and remain troublesome.

- Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Aug 2, 2015.