Part II

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1. NAME OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Tolfedine Tablets 6mg

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each tablet contains:

Tolfenamic acid 6mg

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Tablet

White convex tablets

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

Dogs and cats.

4.2 Indications for use, specifying the target species

In small dogs : Treatment for alleviation of acute episodes of inflammation and pain in chronic locomotor disease.

In cats : in febrile syndrome (abscess, fever of unknown origin).

4.3 Contra-indications

Do not administer to animals suffering from cardiac, hepatic or renal disease, where there is a possibility of gastro-intestinal ulceration or bleeding, where there is evidence of a blood dyscrasia or hypersensitivity to the product.

4.4 Special warnings for each target species

NSAIDS can cause inhibition of phagocytosis and hence in the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with bacterial infections appropriate concurrent antimicrobial therapy should be instigated.

In dogs, long term treatment of over 3 months duration should be under regular veterinary supervision. In particular, dogs with hepatic insufficiency should be closely monitored.

4.5 Special precautions for use

(i) Special precautions for use in animals

Use in animals less than 6 weeks of age, or in aged animals, may involve additional risk. If such a use cannot be avoided, animals may require a reduced dosage and careful clinical management.

Avoid use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animal, as there is a potential risk of increased renal toxicity.

Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

It is preferable that the product is not administered to animals undergoing general anaesthesia until fully recovered.

Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or duration of treatment.

Animals suffering from a chronic renal insufficiency and requiring an anti-inflammatory treatment may be treated with tolfenamic acid without requiring an adjustment of the dosage. However, the use of this product is contra-indicated in acute cases of renal insufficiency.

In case of undesirable effects (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, presence of blood in faeces) occurring during the treatment, your veterinarian should be contacted for advice.

(ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

In case of accidental contact with eyes, wash with plenty of water.

Diarrhoea and vomiting may occur in rare cases during the treatment. Moreover, a temporary increase of thirst and/or diuresis may occur. In most of the cases, these signs cease spontaneously after the treatment.

Although studies in laboratory animals did not show any effect on reproduction, it is not advisable to administer the product during gestation.

Do not administer NSAIDs concurrently or within 24 hours of each other. Some NSAIDs may be highly bound to plasma proteins and compete with other highly bound drugs, which can lead to toxic effects.

4mg tolfenamic acid/kg once daily, i.e. 1 tablet for 1.5kg of bodyweight administered in feed for 3 days according to the following table:

Weight of the animal (kg)	Number of tablets
1 - 2	1
2.5 - 3.5	2
3.5 - 4.5	3

In dogs, subject to clinical response, the administration may be repeated every 7 days, ie 3 days of medication followed by 4 days without medication.

In case of overdose, administer symptomatic treatment.

Not applicable.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Tolfenamic acid (N-(2-methyl-3-chlorophenyl) anthranilic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug belonging to the fenamate group. Tolfenamic acid possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.

The anti-inflammatory activity of tolfenamic acid is due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase leading to a reduction in prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis, major inflammatory mediators.

Pharmacokinetic properties:

Absorption :

In the dog, tolfenamic acid is rapidly absorbed. After a single oral administration of 4mg/kg tolfenamic acid, the mean maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of about 4g/ml is reached in about 1 hour. When the same intake of tolfenamic acid is taken with food, Cmax is 1.9  1.4g/ml. These variations are due to a strong enterohepatic recycling of the product.

In the cat, the absorption is very fast. After a single oral administration of 4mg/kg tolfenamic acid, the mean maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of about 5.6g/ml is reached in about 1 hour.

Distribution, metabolism, excretion

Tolfenamic acid is distributed in all organs with a strong concentration in plasma, digestive tract, liver, lungs and kidneys. The concentration in the brain however is low.

Tolfenamic acid and its metabolites do not cross the placenta barrier to any great extent.

Tolfenamic acid is excreted mainly unchanged.

In dogs with renal insufficiency, the elimination of tolfenamic acid is unchanged.

Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate

Wheat Starch

Docusate Sodium

Microcrystalline Cellulose

Magnesium Stearate

None known

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packages for sale 3 years.

Do not store above 25^oC. Store in a dry place.

Box of 1 PVC-aluminium blister of 10 tablets

Box of 2 PVC-aluminium blisters of 10 tablets

Box of 10 PVC-aluminium blisters of 10 tablets

Box of 20 PVC-aluminium blisters of 10 tablets

Not all pack sizes may be marketed

6.6 Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal product or waste

materials derived from the use of such products

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Vétoquinol UK Limited

Vetoquinol House

Great Slade

Buckingham Industrial Park

Buckingham

MK18 1PA

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

Vm 08007/4049

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

15.10.93/15.10.03

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

14 May 2008