Comprehensive Vet Guide 2025: Zimeta® (Dipyrone Injection) for Horses 🐎💉

Written by Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – trusted veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder 👨‍⚕️🐾

Zimeta® (dipyrone/metamizole sodium) is the only FDA‑approved pyrazolone‑class NSAID for IV use in horses to reduce fever (pyrexia). It provides safe, effective relief when used correctly under veterinary oversight. This 2025 guide covers action, dosing, side effects, monitoring, contraindications, and support via Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz. 🩺📘

1. What Is Zimeta® & How It Works

Zimeta® contains dipyrone, a pyrazolone derivative that lowers fever by acting on the hypothalamus and inhibiting COX enzymes, helping treat fever linked to infections or inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2. Indications & Veterinary Use

Indicated for controlling fever—not treating underlying disease. Typically used when your vet diagnoses fever from respiratory, systemic, or infectious causes. Ensure diagnosis before administration. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

3. Dosing & Administration

• IV only: veterinarian-administered once or twice daily (every 12 hrs) at 30 mg/kg for up to 3 days :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Treatment duration depends on fever response; do not exceed 3 days or q12h frequency :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• If a dose is missed, consult your vet; never double-dose :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

4. When It Works

Clinical studies show significant fever reduction within 6 hours post-IV dose—often reversing fever in the majority of treated horses :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

5. Side Effects & What to Monitor

• Mostly well-tolerated. Watch for colic, diarrhea, decreased appetite :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Lab changes: increased liver enzyme (SDH), low albumin, GI ulceration, inflamed colon, and prolonged clotting times possible :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Serious but rare: signs of agranulocytosis if accidentally injected into humans—always handle with care :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Rapid IV administration may trigger seizures—infuse slowly under vet supervision :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

6. Contraindications & Precautions

• Do not use in horses allergic to dipyrone or NSAIDs like flunixin or phenylbutazone :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Use caution or avoid in horses with dehydration, kidney, heart, liver disease, bleeding disorders, or GI ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Not tested in horses <3 years, pregnant, lactating, or breeding mares—vet must assess risks :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Not for food-producing horses; avoid if meat or milk entry is a concern :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

7. Drug Interactions

Avoid concurrent NSAIDs or nephrotoxic drugs unless approved by vet. Mixing may increase risk of GI, kidney, or bleeding issues :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

8. Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Track temperature regularly to determine need for additional doses.
• Watch for GI signs, appetite, behavior changes, and bleeding.
• Vet may recommend bloodwork if more than one or prolonged dosing is needed.

9. Storage & Handling

• Store between 68–77 °F (15–25 °C), protect from light, discard vial 30 days after puncture :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Handle IV administration carefully to avoid accidental human injection.

10. Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• Ask A Vet: Assess need, dosing frequency, side-effects, and diagnostics.
• Woopf: Reminders for dosing, temperature logging, vet visits.
• Purrz: Logs GI status, bleeding, and vitals—shareable with vet.

11. Real-World & Clinical Insights

In FDA field trials, horses showed fever control after a single IV dose. Repeat dosing up to six times over three days was safe and effective in clinical use :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Clinicians report improved comfort and reduced fever when underlying causes are simultaneously treated.

12. FAQs

🐾 Can I give more than twice daily?

No—exceeding 2 doses per 24 hrs or >3 days risks overdose and side effects—strictly follow vet orders :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

🐾 Can my pregnant mare get Zimeta?

Use is untested—vet risk assessment required.

🐾 My horse still has a fever—what now?

Call your vet—further diagnostics and alternative treatment may be necessary.

13. Summary Table

14. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

Zimeta® is a reliable, fast-acting fever reliever for horses when used responsibly under veterinary care. In 2025, with accurate dosing, clinical oversight, and helpful tech like Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz, horses can recover more comfortably while underlying conditions are addressed. Always consult your vet for safety and next steps. 💗🐎

For fever support, treatment coordination, and symptom tracking, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Your horse’s comfort matters—every day. 🐴📱