Indications
Sodium Salicylate is used mainly in veterinary medicine, especially in poultry and livestock, as a water-soluble medicine to reduce fever, pain and inflammation. It is often included in combination powders for drinking water given during illnesses such as coccidiosis, respiratory infections or heat stress, alongside anti-infective medicines. Products of this kind are for use in animals and are not for human use. In the past, Sodium Salicylate was also used in people for rheumatic fever and joint pain, but it has largely been replaced by other medicines.
How It Works
Sodium Salicylate is a salicylate, related to Aspirin. It reduces the body’s production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause fever, pain and swelling. This helps sick birds and animals feel better, keep eating and drinking, and recover more easily.
Dosage and Administration
For animals: dissolve in clean drinking water or give as directed on the label or by a veterinarian. The dose depends on the species, age, body weight and condition. Prepare fresh medicated water each day, make it the only drinking source during treatment, and use it for the number of days stated. Do not give to people.
Interactions
- Other salicylates or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aspirin, Flunixin or Meloxicam) increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Corticosteroids increase the risk of stomach damage.
- Anticoagulants such as Warfarin increase the risk of bleeding.
- Diuretics such as Furosemide and some aminoglycosides may increase kidney strain.
Contraindications
- Animals with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or severe kidney or liver disease.
- Dehydrated animals, unless water intake is restored.
- Cats are very sensitive to salicylates and should not receive it unless a veterinarian directs.
- Known allergy to salicylates.
- Not for human use.
Side Effects
In animals, possible side effects include reduced appetite, stomach irritation, vomiting or diarrhoea, dark droppings from bleeding in the gut, and, with high doses or long use, kidney problems or bleeding tendency. In poultry, reduced water intake can occur if the taste is strong.
Contact a veterinarian urgently if animals show bleeding, weakness, severe diarrhoea, rapid breathing, or a sudden rise in deaths. If a person swallows the product by mistake and develops vomiting, ringing in the ears, rapid breathing or confusion, get urgent medical help.
Pregnancy and Lactation
In animals, use in pregnant or laying animals only as directed by a veterinarian, as salicylates can affect birth and bleeding. For people handling the product: pregnant women should avoid contact with the powder and wear gloves, as salicylates can be absorbed in small amounts.
Precautions and Warnings
- Observe the withdrawal period for meat and eggs or milk stated on the label before animal products are used for food.
- Ensure animals have constant access to the medicated water.
- Wear gloves and a mask when mixing powder; wash hands afterwards.
- Do not use longer than recommended.
Overdose
In animals, overdose can cause depression, fast breathing, vomiting, bleeding and kidney damage. Stop the medicated water and contact a veterinarian. In people, accidental swallowing can cause salicylate poisoning; seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Salicylate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic (mainly veterinary use).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children and animals.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.