Meloxicam (brand names Metacam® Loxicom®, OroCAM®, Rheumocam) is a non-steroidal 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. Meloxicam is also used to treat pain associated with surgery.
Features of Meloxicam For Cats
Meloxicam is available as an oral liquid, oral spray (spray not available in Canada), injection, or chewable tablets for dogs, but only as an oral liquid or injection for cats. It is also available in pill form (brand name Mobic®, Mobicox®) for human use, which your veterinarian may prescribe ‘off label’ or ‘extra-label’ for large dogs. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these cases, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
Your veterinarian will administer the injectable version of the drug. Before giving the oral liquid, shake the bottle well. Carefully measure the dose as directed by your veterinarian. Chewable tablets should be given as directed by your veterinarian. Give meloxicam with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The oral spray is sprayed inside the cheek space. Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions for administering the medication.
Dosage and Administration
Peri-operative use: After initial treatment with Metacam® 0.5% Injection for Dogs and Cats, continue treatment 24 hours later with Metacam® Oral Suspension for Cats 0.5 mg/mL at a dosage of 0.05 mg meloxicam/kg body weight. The oral follow-up dose may be administered once daily (at 24-hour intervals) for up to two days.
Acute musculoskeletal disorders: On the first day of treatment, a single oral dose of 0.1 mg meloxicam/kg body weight should be administered using Metacam® Oral Suspension for Cats. Treatment is to be continued once daily by oral administration (at 24 hour intervals) at a maintenance dose of 0.05 mg meloxicam/kg body weight for up to four days. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of treatment consistent with the individual clinical response.
Instructions for Use: Please carefully follow the instructions of the veterinarian. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. Shake well before use. To be administered orally either mixed with food or directly into the mouth. The suspension can be given using the drop dispenser of the bottle for cats of any body weight (0.017 mg/drop). Alternatively and for cats with a body weight of at least 2 kg, the Metacam® Oral Suspension for Cats measuring syringe (provided in the package) can be used. Dosing procedure using the drop dispenser of the bottle:
Specification
- Drug Name: Meloxicam
- Common Name: Metacam, and Mobic for humans
- Generics: Generic tablets available
- Drug Type: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a class called oxicam
- Used For: Pain and Inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
- Species: Dogs
- Administered: Liquid
- How Dispensed: Prescription Only
- Available Forms: 1.5mg/mL (10mL, 32mL, 100mL & 180mL); 0.5mg/mL (15mL)
- FDA Approved: Yes
Prices of Meloxicam For Cats
$20.95 – $32.97