General Description: Meloxicam is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to control pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. While meloxicam is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility. This medication should be given with food. Response varies but in most dogs, improvement will be seen in a few days. Meloxicam is available as an oral syrup in 5 different dropper bottle sizes.
What is this drug?
• Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Given to dogs by mouth
Reasons for prescribing?
• Used to control pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs [signs include limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints]
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
• Cats (this medication is for dogs only). Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives meloxicam.
• Has had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient meloxicam
• Has had an allergic reaction (such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin) to aspirin or other NSAIDS.
• Is presently taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids (unless directed by your veterinarian).
Directions:
The actual dose to be given should be prescribed by the veterinarian.
Shake well before use, then remove cap.
While meloxicam is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility.
Response will vary from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.
If Meloxicam is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog’s pain and inflammation may come back.
Dogs under 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth. Carefully measure suspension onto food to assure that the correct dose is given before presentation of the food to the dog. The syringe provided with the meloxicam concentration of 0.5 mg/mL cannot be used to measure doses for dogs weighing <1 lb=”” (0.45=””>
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For dogs between 1-10 pounds, the oral suspension can be given by drops or by using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale beginning at 1 lb, designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 lb increment. Replace and tighten cap after use.
Dogs over 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Meloxicam may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. The oral suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 lb increment. Alternatively, use the dropper bottle: 2 drops for each lb body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (5 drops for each kilogram of body weight). Replace and tighten cap after use.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
• The signs of OA you have observed (for example, limping, stiffness)
• The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA
• What tests might be done before meloxicam is prescribed
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
• The risks and benefits of using meloxicam
Tell your veterinarian about:
• Experienced side effects from meloxicam or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
• Liver or kidney disease
• A bleeding disorder (for example, von Willebrand’s disease)
• Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had
• All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription
• If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
For use in dogs only . Do not use in cats.
Potential side effects:
Meloxicam, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning and in rare situations result in death.
The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with Meloxicam or may have another medical problem:
• Decrease or increase in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movement (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools)
• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
• Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
• Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
• Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Meloxicam therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Meloxicam should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, carprofen, etodolac, deracoxib) or steroids (for example, cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone).
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Meloxicam.
What else should I know?
This sheet provides a summary of information about Meloxicam. If you have any questions or concerns about Meloxicam or osteoarthritis pain, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, Meloxicam should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to Meloxicam at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving Meloxicam.
