Pharmacotoxicological characteristics of a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for veterinary use Firocoxib-ASTRA® tablets

This article presents the results of the toxicological evaluation of a new generic drug for veterinary use Firocoxib-ASTRA® tablets, which is a complete analogue of the imported drug Previcox. The active ingredient of the drug firocoxib is a modern representative of the NSAID family of coxibs, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Due to its high gastrointestinal safety profile, the drug is more preferable for dogs compared to other, less selective NSAIDs. Firocoxib-ASTRA® is indicated for dogs with osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis, joint injuries, inflammatory processes of soft tissues and for postoperative pain control. Due to its high selectivity and low risk of adverse reactions, it can be used both for short-term relief of acute pain and for long-term control of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. LD50 of the drug for rats is 2410±27.46 mg/kg, which, according to GOST 12.1.007-76, allows it to be classified as hazard class III – «Moderately hazardous substances». Based on the results of the subchronic oral toxicity assessment, it was found that the use of the drug for 42 days in all tested increased doses does not cause significant changes in the clinical condition and hematological parameters of experimental animals. No negative impact on the main physiological functions of the body was found, there are no pathomorphological changes, which confirms the good tolerability of the drug. Firocoxib-ASTRA® does not have allergenic properties detected in provocative skin, conjunctival and nasal tests, and does not cause mast cell degranulation beyond the normal range. Thus, the results of this study allow us to conclude that the new drug Firocoxib-ASTRA® tablets does not have toxic and allergenic properties, and is well tolerated by laboratory animals.