Navicular
Medication Facts
- Performance enhancing
- N/A
- Total hours to clear
- N/A
- Frequently used
- Not recorded
- ESC ID
- NAVICU-0614
- Trade names
- Not recorded
- Drug type
- N/A
- Plasma half-life · hours
- N/A
- Equine dosing
- N/A
- Cmax · peak plasma concentration
- N/A
- Tmax · time to peak plasma concentration
- N/A
- ESC concentration guidance
- N/A
- Primary withdrawal · hours
- N/A
- Washout withdrawal · hours
- Not recorded
- ESC control type
- N/A
- Medication report required
- N/A
Uses & side effects
Navicular
Product-specific side effects await source review.
Drug interactions
The medical management of navicular syndrome (podotrochlearis syndrome) focuses on relieving deep heel pain, reducing inflammation in the navicular bursa and digital flexor tendons, and altering bone remodeling. Because navicular syndrome is a progressive, degenerative condition, treatment often combines systemic medications, targeted joint injections, and corrective farriery.1. Bone Remodeling Medications (Bisphosphonates)Bisphosphonates are designed to inhibit osteoclast activity (bone resorption/breakdown), which helps normalize bone metabolism and relieve the deep, aching bone pain associated with navicular disease.Clodronate Disodium (Osphos®): An FDA-approved intramuscular (IM) injection given as a 4-site split dose in the neck or chest. It binds to bone minerals to slow down bone remodeling and can provide lameness relief for up to 6 months.Tiludronate Disodium (Tildren®): An FDA-approved medication administered via a slow intravenous (IV) infusion or through Regional Limb Perfusion (RLP) directly into the affected leg.Regulatory Note: Under USEF, FEI, and HISA regulations, bisphosphonates are heavily restricted. They are strictly prohibited in horses under 4 years of age due to risks to developing skeletons, and they carry extended regulatory detection windows.2. Navicular Bursa & Coffin Joint InjectionsBecause the navicular bone sits directly behind the coffin joint and adjacent to the navicular bursa, injecting these specific structures provides targeted, potent anti-inflammatory relief.Corticosteroids (Triamcinolone or Methylprednisolone): Injected directly into the navicular bursa or the distal interphalangeal (coffin) joint to rapidly halt localized inflammation and eliminate severe heel pain.Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Frequently co-administered with corticosteroids into the bursa to restore fluid lubrication and protect surrounding soft tissues, such as the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) where it glides over the navicular bone.Polyacrylamide Hydrogels (Arthramid® Vet): A synthetic, long-acting gel injected into the coffin joint or surrounding structures to physically cushion the joint and reduce friction. It contains no active drugs, making it highly useful for performance horses subject to random drug testing.3. Systemic Anti-Inflammatories & VasodilatorsFirocoxib (Equioxx®): A selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID that is highly favored for long-term daily management of chronic navicular lameness. It reduces joint inflammation while minimizing the risk of gastric ulcers and kidney issues associated with long-term use of traditional NSAIDs like Phenylbutazone (Bute).Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride: A peripheral vasodilator historically prescribed orally to improve microvascular blood circulation within the hoof capsule and navicular bone. While its clinical efficacy is debated in modern veterinary medicine, it remains a common therapeutic option for chronic heel pain.