Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which widely used in small animals (cat and dogs) as well as in large animals.

Group

Meloxicam is grouped in NSAIDs (Non Steroidal anti inflammatory drugs).

Mechanism of Action

Inhibit COX-2 enzyme and also very less inhibition of COX-1 enzyme ( COX-1 is primarily responsible for synthesis of prostaglandins. this important for maintaining a healthy GI tract, renal function, platelet function, and other normal functions. COX-2 responsible for synthesizing prostaglandins that are important mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever. However, it is known that there is some crossover of COX-1 and COX-2 effects, and COX-2 activity is important for some biological effects. Meloxicam is relatively COX-1 sparing compared with other NSAIDs)

Dose Rates

Dog: 0.2-0.3 mg/kg as loading dose and 0.1 mg/kg as maintenance dose q24h IM, SC, IV, PO

Cat: 0.2 mg/kg as loading dose and 0.05 mg/kg maintenance dose q24h IM, SC, IV, PO

Horse: 0.6 mg/kg q24h IV, PO

Sheep and Goats: 1 mg/kg q24h IM, SC, IV, PO

Cattle: 0.5 mg/kg q24h IV, IM, SQ

Pig: 0.4 mg/kg q24h IM

Indications

• Pains (Analgesia)
• Inflammation
• Fever

Contraindications

• Hypovolemic or Dehydrated animal should not be given meloxicam
• Late gestation animal should not use meloxicam
• Animal of less then 6 weeks (42 days) of age should not be given meloxicam

Interactions

• NSAIDs should not be given with Corticosteroids as it aggravate the ulceration in animals.

Adverse effects

• GI Ulcers
• Renal Toxicity
• Hepatic Toxicity
• Coagulopathy
• Hypotension and hypovolemia or dehydration

Toxicity

when dose of meloxicam is exceed more then 1 mg/kg body weight for small animals (dog and cats), it become toxic. Symptomatic treatment of NSAIDs should be followed in such condition.

Preparations

Injectables: 5 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL

Tablets: 2.5mg, 7.5mg, 15mg