Meloxicam
(Metacam, Mobic)

Common Drug Name Meloxicam

Common Brand Names Metacam (veterinary form) Mobic (human form)
No generic products are available.

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Refrigeration is recommended for compounded forms.

Uses: Meloxicam is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce the inflammation and pain of joint diseases and muscle injuries in dogs. It also aids in reducing fever. The injectable form is approved in cats for control of post-surgical pain.

Dose and Administration: Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Meloxicam is available as an injectable product, or an oral product to be given by mouth. Shake the oral suspension well before use and measure the dose using the syringe provided by the manufacturer. To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth. For long-term treatment, use the lowest dose needed to provide relief. For arthritic conditions, it may need to be given periodically for the animal’s lifetime. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects: The most common side effect of NSAIDs is stomach upset, but stomach ulcers may develop, in which case you may see loss of appetite; vomiting; diarrhea; dark, tarry or, bloody stools; or constipation. Side effects involving the kidney include increased thirst and urination, or changes in the urine color or smell. Side effects involving the liver include jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes). Other side effects may include pale gums, lethargy, shedding, incoordination, seizures, or behavioral changes. If any of these side effects are observed, stop treatment and contact your veterinarian. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions: Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to meloxicam (Metacam), carprofen (Rimadyl), aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), or other NSAIDs. Use with extreme caution and continued monitoring in geriatric animals and those with dehydration or stomach, intestinal, liver, heart, diabetes mellitus or blood disorders. Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Not recommended for use in animals less than 6 weeks of age. Do not use in animals with bleeding problems, e.g., von Willebrand's disease. Consult with veterinarian regarding physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with meloxicam.

Drug, Food and Test Interactions: Consult your veterinarian before using meloxicam with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), deracoxib (Deramaxx), tepoxalin (Zubrin), firocoxib (Previcox), carprofen (Novox, Rimadyl); steroids (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, Medrol, triamcinolone); or methotrexate, oral anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin), phenylpropanolamine, ACE inhibitors (certain heart medications such as enalapril), and phenobarbital, since interactions may occur.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose: May see loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, bloody stools, increased thirst, increased urination, pale gums, jaundice (yellowing of gums, skin, or eyes), lethargy, increased respiration (fast or heavy breathing), incoordination, seizures, or behavioral changes. An overdose or toxicity could be fatal. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

** This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

If you have questions about this medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation