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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell, Fear Free,

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Medication: Meloxicam

Medication: Meloxicam

Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient meloxicam to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders. It is also used to alleviate postoperative pain and inflammation following orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

Key points:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• Do not use in dogs less than 6 weeks of age.
• Do not give to pregnant or lactating bitches.
• Dosage: for musculoskeletal disorders a loading dose of a parenteral solution of meloxicam is given at a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously. This is followed by maintenance therapy with 0.1 mg/kg of an oral preparation of meloxicam. For surgical pain a loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg parenteral meloxicam is given subcutaneously or intravenously which provides pain relief for 24 hours.
• Particular care should be taken with the accuracy of dosing.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Meloxicam.
Brand name
  • Metacam®, Meloxidyl®, Loxicom, Inflacam®, Rheumocam (Europe & UK).
  • Metacam® (USA).
  • OroCAM® transmucosal spray (US).
Class of drug
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Storage
  • No special storage conditions are described.
  • Shelf life after opening the immediate packaging of the oral preparation is 6 months.

Why has my dog been prescribed meloxicam?

Your dog has been prescribed meloxicam for the alleviation of acute or chronic pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders or for the alleviation of postoperative pain and inflammation following orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

How is the medication given?

Injectable (parenteral) and oral preparations of meloxicam are available and commonly your veterinarian will give the first dose of meloxicam by injection. Most oral preparations of meloxicam come as a syrup that can be dosed using a specially designed dosing syringe that fits onto the top of the bottle. It is important that the bottle is shaken well before administration. The dosing syringe will give a 0.1 mg/kg dose according to bodyweight so if you are asked by your veterinarian to give a loading dose you will need to give double the dose once only. Some preparations of oral meloxicam are licensed to be given only with food, while for others the preparation may be squirted directly into the mouth.

Tablet forms of meloxicam are also available but due to the accuracy of dosing use of the oral suspension is recommended in dogs less than 4 kg. For the METACAM preparation of meloxicam accurate dosing of small dogs can be achieved by dosing using the correct number of drops from the bottle. Dose the number of drops that have been prescribed by your veterinarian according to indication (loading or maintenance dose).

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Meloxicam, typical of all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause the following adverse reactions:

  • Mild gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
  • On rare occasions, serious gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding and ulcer formation have occurred
  • Loss of appetite or lethargy
  • Increases in kidney function results (renal biochemistry parameters)
  • Other side effects include polydipsia, polyuria and jaundice.

Meloxicam should not be administered with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Dogs receiving ACE inhibitors and/or diuretics concurrently with meloxicam should be monitored carefully for signs of hypotension that will increase the risk of renal side effects.

Meloxicam should not be given to dogs with cardiac, hepatic or renal impairment, or where blood dyscrasias exist. It may also impair healing of any gastric ulcers.

Owners should discontinue meloxicam therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Meloxicam should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused meloxicam safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save meloxicam for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have given an extra dose of meloxicam.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice and stop the administration of meloxicam.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Meloxicam should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches.
  • Do not use in dogs <6 weeks old.
  • Do not use in dogs with stomach or gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Do not use in dogs with hepatic disorders.
  • Do not use in dogs with hypersensitivity to meloxicam.
  • Do not use in dogs with low blood proteins, dehydration and cardiac disease.
  • Do not use concomitantly with corticosteroids or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Keep out of reach of children – if accidentally eaten, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on meloxicam?

Laboratory testing to establish hematological and serum baseline data may be recommended by your veterinarian prior to and periodically during medium to long term administration of meloxicam.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on metacam can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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