Meloxicam

What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam (brand names Metacam®, Meloxidyl®, Loxicom®, OroCAM®) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs and cats. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats and is also used to treat pain associated with surgery.

Meloxicam has also been used in some small mammals, birds, and reptiles to treat pain and inflammation. The use of meloxicam in these species is considered off label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.

How do I give meloxicam to my pet?

• Meloxicam is given as an oral liquid, tablet, capsule, or an injection.
• It is given as an oral liquid or injection for cats. 
• Give with food to reduce possible gastrointestinal side effects.
• Before giving the oral liquid, shake the bottle well. 
• Carefully measure the dose as directed by your veterinarian.  
• For dogs weighing less than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), administer the liquid on the food, not directly into the mouth.
• Chewable tablets should be given as directed by your veterinarian. 
• The oral spray is sprayed inside the cheek space. Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions for administering the medication.
• If your pet acts sick or vomits, contact your veterinarian.

This medication will take effect within two hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss giving your pet a dose, give the next dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until the next scheduled dose, either:

1. skip the dose you missed, give it at the next scheduled time, and continue with the regular dosing schedule, OR
2. give the missed dose and then wait the recommended interval before giving the next dose (continue giving it regularly at that new time).

Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.

Are there any potential side effects?

Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam can affect the gastrointestinal tract, with the following side effects in dogs and cats:

• diarrhea or soft stool
• vomiting
• lack of appetite 

In dogs, SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DRUG MAY OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving meloxicam and contact your veterinarian immediately: 

• changes in urination
• yellowing of the skin (often noted on the inside of ear flaps
• persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• dark tarry stools
• vomit that contains blood or a substance like coffee grounds

MELOXICAM SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION IN CATS. Cats with early undiagnosed kidney disease can suffer kidney damage with the use of meloxicam, depending on the dose prescribed. Your veterinarian will weigh the pros and cons of medicating your cat with meloxicam and may order blood work and urinalysis to check your cat’s kidney health as a precaution.

REPORT ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although the effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Meloxicam SHOULD NOT BE USED in:

• pets with allergies to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• pets with bloody stools or vomit
• pets that have a loss of appetite
• pets that are taking other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
• pets that are dehydrated
• breeding, pregnant, lactating animals
• puppies under six months of age/kittens under four months of age

Meloxicam SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION in:

• cats (see above)
• pets that have ulcers or have had them in the past
• pets that have pre-existing heart conditions
• pets that are senior, weak, or frail
• pets that have a bleeding disorder
• pets that have pre-existing kidney or liver conditions

Never give meloxicam prescribed for one pet in your household to another pet without first consulting your veterinarian.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Avoid giving your dog other NSAIDs or corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone) while they are taking meloxicam.

Certain medications may interact with meloxicam and so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment. 

Medications of concern include:

• certain antibiotics (ie., gentamicin, amikacin), furosemide (Lasix®)
• antifungals (ie., fluconazole)
• cyclosporine (Atopica®)

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian should perform baseline bloodwork and urinalysis before your pet starts meloxicam.
• If your pet is taking meloxicam for extended periods (as in the treatment of osteoarthritis), your veterinarian will do periodic blood tests to check liver and kidney function. It is important to attend these follow-up appointments. 
• Your veterinarian may recommend recheck examinations to ensure the medication is working adequately to manage pain.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication, and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store meloxicam?

• Ensure meloxicam is stored in a tightly closed container and secured inside a cabinet to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Store meloxicam at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C-25°C), and protect from light. 
• Do not use after the expiration date stated on the bottle. 
• Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
• Store compounded forms of this medication according to the label.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. If your pet receives too much of this medication, it can have serious effects on the gastrointestinal system, liver, or kidneys.