Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) prescription medication used to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness as a result of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis. Meloxicam requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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Helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness
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Easy to administer tablets
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Sold per tablet
How it works:
Meloxicam works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body.
Cautions:
Tell your veterinarian if your dog has: an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your dog is pregnant or lactating.
More Information:
Brand Name Mobic (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Generic Name meloxicam
What is the most important information I should know about Meloxicam: Meloxicam is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for veterinary use. However, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use Meloxicam in dogs. Meloxicam is available as 7.5 mg tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 0.1mg per pound as an initial dose the first day, followed by 0.05mg/ml once a day thereafter. Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional doses of injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What is Meloxicam: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Meloxicam works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. Meloxicam is used to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness as a result of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis. Meloxicam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Meloxicam to my pet:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has: an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given:
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Meloxicam may be given with or without food. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Store Meloxicam at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose:
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Meloxicam overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, headache, cardiac arrest, stomach pain, seizures, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.
What should I avoid while giving Meloxicam to my pet:
Many over the counter cough, cold, allergy and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAID's similar to Meloxicam. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects of Meloxicam:
Contact your veterinarian if your pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Meloxicam and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); muscle cramps; open sores in the mouth; seizures; abdominal cramping. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Meloxicam and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect Meloxicam: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen or piroxicam; an over the counter cough, cold, allergy or pain medication; furosemide; or warfarin. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Meloxicam written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and
death. Do not administer additional doses of injectable or oral meloxicam to cats.
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See below chart for suggested dosage.
Tip: Contact your veterinarian if your dog has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Puppies (Over the age of 6 months):
All weights
The usual dose is 0.1mg per pound for the first day followed by 0.05mg per pound once a day thereafter. Keep plenty of water available for pet to drink.
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature. Protect from light, moisture, and heat.
The usual dose of meloxicam tablets for a 75 lb dog is 1 tablet on the first day, then 1/2 tablet daily thereafter. Your veterinarian, however, would determine the actual dose to use.
The usual dose of meloxicam for a 30 pound dog would be 1.5 mg once a day. This dose is not available using the 7.5 mg meloxicam tablet. You would need to either give your pet a 30 lb dose of Metacam Suspension (brand of meloxicam) using the included dose syringe, or you would need to have a meloxicam 1.5 mg tablet specially compounded in a pharmacy that offers compounding services.
I'm sorry to hear about your pet. Unfortunately, I do not know what a stomach papulation is. Meloxicam, like any other NSAID can cause stomach ulcers and/or bleeding and this potential side effect is documented in the product information. However, these side effects are not necessarily fatal.
Talk to your vet about the drug and other options. Do NOT increase the dosage without discussing this with your vet. Possible symptoms of overdose include perforated ulcers.
This site appears to carry the tablets and the oral suspension (Metacam).
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.