Zimeta is indicated for the control of pyrexia in horses. In clinical studies, Zimeta™ demonstrated rapid and effective control of fever in horses.1,2* In a field study, clinical signs associated with adverse events were reported in less than 2% of Zimeta treated horses.2
Dipyrone, the active ingredient in Zimeta, is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class and has a centrally acting mechanism of action on the hypothalamus where fever originates and is regulated.** This is the first-time dipyrone has been FDA-approved for veterinary use in the United States. Dipyrone, also known as metamizole, is approved and widely used in many other countries.
Administer Zimeta by intravenous injection, 1 to 2 times daily, at 12 hour intervals, for up to 2 days at a dosage of 20 mg/kg (13.6 mg/lb). The overall number of doses and duration of treatment with Zimeta is dependent on the response observed (fever reduction). Zimeta may be re-administered based on recurrence of fever for up to 3 days. Zimeta is provided in a multi-dose vial and contains a preservative.
For use in horses only. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Do not use in any food producing animals. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In case of accidental exposure, contact a physician immediately.
Horses with hypersensitivity to dipyrone should not receive Zimeta. Due to the prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and associated clinical signs of coagulopathy, dipyrone should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours.
Care should be taken to ensure that dipyrone is not accidentally injected into humans as studies have indicated that dipyrone can cause agranulocytosis in humans.
Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In case of accidental exposure, contact a physician immediately. Direct contact with the skin should be avoided. If contact occurs, the skin should be washed immediately with soap and water. As with all injectable drugs causing profound physiological effects, routine precautions should be employed by practitioners when handling and using loaded syringes to prevent accidental self-injection.
Zimeta should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Do not change the way you give Zimeta to your horse without first speaking with your veterinarian.
Zimeta can control fever that is a result of infection or inflammation; however, it is not a cure for the underlying disease. Consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause of your horse’s elevated body temperature. Response to Zimeta varies from horse to horse.
Your horse should not be given Zimeta if he/she:
Zimeta is not for use in horses intended for human food consumption. Do not use in any food producing animals, including lactating dairy animals. People should not take Zimeta. Keep Zimeta and all medications out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans or accidental injection into humans.
Talk to your veterinarian about:
Zimeta, like other NSAIDs, may cause some side effects in individual horses. Serious side effects associated with NSAID therapy can occur with or without warning. Look for the following side effects that may indicate your horse is having a problem with Zimeta or may have another medical problem:
Zimeta should not be given at the same time as with other NSAIDS (for example, aspirin, phenylbutazone, diclofenac, ketoprofen, flunixin, or firocoxib) or systemic corticosteroids (for example, prednisolone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone).
Consult your veterinarian if your horse receives more than the prescribed amount of Zimeta.
This sheet provides a summary of information about Zimeta (dipyrone injection) and general information about NSAIDs. If you have any questions or concerns about Zimeta or fever talk with your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, Zimeta should only be given to the horse for which it is prescribed. It should be given to your horse only for the condition for which it is prescribed, at the prescribed dose and duration.
It is important to periodically discuss your horse’s response to Zimeta with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will determine if your horse is responding as expected and if your horse should continue receiving Zimeta.