Carprofen is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily in dogs to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever from osteoarthritis, injury, or surgery.

How does carprofen work?

It inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, lowering prostaglandin production that drives inflammation and pain.

What conditions is it used to treat?

Common uses include osteoarthritis, soft-tissue or orthopedic injuries, and perioperative pain control.

Is carprofen safe for long-term use?

Many dogs tolerate long-term therapy, but risk rises with duration and age. Vets typically obtain baseline labs and periodic rechecks to monitor liver and kidney values.

What are common side effects?

Possible effects include reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased drinking or urination, and—rarely—jaundice, black stools, or neurologic signs. Stop the drug and contact your veterinarian if these occur.

Can cats take carprofen?

It is not routinely used in cats due to safety concerns and limited dosing data. Never give it to a cat unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

How is it given and in what forms?

Carprofen is available as scored tablets, chewable tablets, and injections. Dosing and frequency are set by the veterinarian based on weight and clinical need.

What monitoring is recommended?

Baseline chemistry (liver and kidney values) before starting, recheck in 2–4 weeks after initiation or dose changes, and periodic labs for chronic use.

Which dogs should avoid carprofen?

Avoid in dogs with NSAID hypersensitivity, active GI ulceration or bleeding disorders, severe kidney or liver disease, or dehydration/hypotension. Use caution in seniors and those on multiple medications.

What drug interactions matter?

Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids due to GI and renal risk. Use caution with nephrotoxic drugs, certain antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and highly protein-bound medications.

What brand names exist?

Common brands include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen, and Carprieve, along with generics.

What if I miss a dose or my dog gets too much?

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless close to the next dose—do not double up. Overdose can be serious; contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.

Veterinary Education & Careers

Carprofen: Uses, Benefits, and Safety in Veterinary Medicine

Carprofen is a veterinary NSAID used mainly in dogs to relieve pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, injury, or surgery. Available as tablets, chews, or injection, it’s generally well tolerated but requires veterinary guidance and periodic bloodwork to monitor liver and kidney health.

John Constantine

05 Nov 2025 • 2 min read

Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used in veterinary medicine, primarily for managing pain and inflammation in animals. Once available for human use, carprofen is now a prescription medication for animals, with its most common application being in dogs.

What Is Carprofen?

Carprofen belongs to the carbazole and propionic acid class of NSAIDs. Its main function is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by inhibiting certain enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved in the inflammatory process. Carprofen’s effectiveness and safety profile have made it a popular choice among veterinarians for treating various conditions in animals.

History and Human Use

Carprofen was first introduced for human use in 1988, primarily to treat joint pain and inflammation, such as that caused by arthritis or injury. It was available by prescription in doses ranging from 150 mg to 600 mg. Most side effects in humans were mild, including nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea. However, the manufacturer voluntarily discontinued carprofen for human use, and it is no longer available for this purpose.

Carprofen in Veterinary Medicine

Canine Use

Carprofen is most commonly prescribed for dogs. It is approved to relieve inflammation, pain, and fever associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, as well as to manage acute pain following injury or surgery. Carprofen can be administered as a pill, chewable tablet, or injection, making it convenient for various situations and patient needs.

Use in Other Animals

While carprofen’s primary veterinary use is in dogs, it is also administered to horses (usually intravenously) to reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, it may be used as an analgesic in mice during surgical procedures and has been studied for use in fish.

Common Brand Names and Dosage Forms

Carprofen is marketed under a variety of brand names worldwide. Some of the most recognized include Rimadyl, Vetprofen, Carprieve, and Novox. It is available in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and injectable solutions, allowing veterinarians to choose the best option for each patient.

Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring

Most dogs tolerate carprofen well, but as with all NSAIDs, there is a risk of side effects. These may include:

Loss of appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea
Increased thirst or urination
Lethargy or drowsiness
Changes in behavior
Liver dysfunction (e.g., jaundice)
Blood in urine or stool
Rarely, seizures or severe neurological symptoms

Serious adverse effects are uncommon, but long-term use or use in older dogs (especially those over 10 years old) can increase the risk of complications. It is important for veterinarians to monitor liver and kidney function with regular blood tests before and during treatment, especially for prolonged use.

Key Takeaways

Carprofen is a prescription NSAID used mainly in veterinary medicine.
It is most often prescribed for dogs to manage pain and inflammation from arthritis, injury, or surgery.
Available in pill, chewable, and injectable forms, carprofen is marketed under several brand names.
While generally safe, carprofen can cause side effects and requires veterinary monitoring, especially with long-term use or in senior pets.

Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication for your pet. Proper use and regular monitoring help ensure carprofen remains a safe and effective option for managing pain and inflammation in animals.