Does Carprofen make humans high?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Does Carprofen make humans high?
No, Carprofen does not make humans high or euphoric. Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used in veterinary medicine.
The drug is commonly used to treat arthritis pain in older dogs and horses. It is NOT manufactured for humans to take (1,2). There are a number of other NSAIDs which are available over the counter for you to take and you don’t need a veterinary NSAID for your symptoms.
Carprofen was once used in humans – back in the 20th century – but it was taken off the market by its manufacturer brand because of commercial reasons and there were already plenty of other, better NSAIDs being manufactured, like Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc. (3)
This is why Carprofen is only available as Rimadyl today, which is a veterinary medication. If you have pain and inflammation, you can purchase OTC Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
As far as the state of euphoria caused by NSAIDs is concerned, these meds are not known for any such effect.
Does Carprofen make animals high?
No, Carfrofen does not make animals high. It is not intended or designed to alter an animal’s mental state or induce a sense of intoxication or pleasure.
Instead, Carprofen works by reducing pain and inflammation in the body. It helps relieve discomfort and improve the overall well-being of animals, allowing them to move more comfortably and engage in normal activities (1,2).
It’s important to note that Carprofen is a medication prescribed by veterinarians for specific medical conditions in animals. The dosage and administration are carefully determined based on the animal’s size, weight, and health status.
If you have specific concerns or questions about Carprofen or its effects on your pet, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide professional advice and address any specific concerns related to your animal’s health.
Common side effects of Carfrofen in animals
While generally considered safe when used as directed, Carprofen can have some potential side effects. Here are some common side effects you may observe in animals taking Carprofen:
- Stomach Upset – leading to symptoms such as decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
- Increased Thirst and Urination
- Mild Behavioral Changes – including lethargy, drowsiness, or in rare cases, hyperactivity.
- Liver and Kidney Effects (rare) – Signs of liver or kidney problems may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), changes in urine output, or changes in drinking patterns.
- Allergic Reactions (rare) – Signs of an allergic reaction may include swelling, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
It’s important to remember that not all animals will experience these side effects, and the severity and occurrence can vary. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions for the safe use of Carprofen and monitor your pet’s response during treatment.
If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms in your pet while taking Carprofen, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. They can address your specific situation, provide guidance, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the well-being of your pet.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Fox SM, Johnston SA. Use of carprofen for the treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1997 May 15;210(10):1493-8. PMID: 9154204. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9154204/
2.-
O’Brien WM, Bagby GF. Carprofen: a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Pharmacology, clinical efficacy and adverse effects. Pharmacotherapy. 1987 Jan-Feb;7(1):16-24. doi: 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1987.tb03500.x. PMID: 3554157. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3554157/
3.-
Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613522. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742
