Meloxicam Tab

COX-2 preferential NSAID for pain and inflammation in horses, dogs, and cats; osteoarthritis, post-operative analgesia, fever. COX-2 preferential NSAID (meloxicam). Mechanism: preferentially inhibits COX-2 vs. COX-1 at therapeutic doses (selectivity ratio ~10:1 in dogs) → reduces inflammation-associated prostaglandins with relative GI and platelet-sparing properties. Oxicam class. Well absorbed orally; long half-life allows once-daily dosing. Hepatically metabolized. Key information COX-2 preferential NSAID. Widely used in dogs, cats (with caution), horses, and exotics. Cats: use very cautiously — short-term only at very low doses unless using approved feline formulation. Administer with food. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

Oral liquid or tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Shake well before each use. (suspension). Injectable: administer SQ (cats — single perioperative dose) or IV (extra-label in some species). Administer once daily at consistent time. Equine oral liquid: mix into grain or administer via syringe. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.

GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, melena, gastric ulceration (COX-2 preferential but GI effects still possible). Renal: azotemia with dehydration or pre-existing CKD. Hepatotoxicity (rare — monitor liver enzymes). Platelet inhibition (less than non-selective NSAIDs). Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

For animals Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Monitor renal function, hydration status, and urine output. Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Cats: FDA-approved only for single SC injection perioperatively; prolonged oral use in cats is extra-label — use with caution and at low doses. Use with caution in pregnant animals. Baseline blood work before prolonged use. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). NSAID — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. (NSAIDs not recommended in late human pregnancy).

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Overdose causes GI ulceration, vomiting, kidney injury, and in cats, liver damage. Supportive care with IV fluids and GI protectants is needed. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.