Meloxicam
“ This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Meloxicam for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It is not a replacement for the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This is a type of pain-relief medicine that also reduces swelling and soreness.
Other common names
- Loxicom
- Meloxidyl
- Metacam
- Mobic
- OstiLox
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to help with pain and swelling in dogs caused by osteoarthritis.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal species or for other purposes.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any bad reactions or unwanted effects your animal has had from medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals that:
- Have had an allergy to this medicine, to other NSAIDs, or to aspirin.
- Are already receiving other NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroid medicines.
- Are not eating as they normally do.
Use extra care in:
- Cats.
- Dogs under 6 months of age.
- Older animals.
- Animals that currently have stomach or intestinal sores, or have had them before.
- Animals that are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Animals that are dehydrated, or animals taking water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.
- Animals with kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- Animals with a bleeding problem.
- Animals that are pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- Give this medicine with food to lower the chance of stomach upset.
- Make sure your animal can drink plenty of clean water while taking this medicine. Keeping your animal well-hydrated may lower the chance of kidney problems.
- If you are using a liquid form, shake it well each time before you measure a dose.
- For liquid doses, only use the dosing syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine.
- When giving liquid meloxicam to animals under 10 pounds, place the dose on top of a small amount of food. Do not squirt it directly into the mouth.
- If your animal will be on this medicine for a long time, regular checkups and blood tests are needed to monitor liver and kidney function. Keep all follow-up appointments.
- Do not give this medicine together with any other prescription or non-prescription anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Meloxicam can remain in the body for several days after you stop it. After stopping, do not give other NSAID medicines or steroid medicines for 5 to 7 days.
Side effects
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea or loose stool.
- Eating less than usual.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Stool that is black and sticky like tar, or stool with blood.
- Vomit with blood (it may look bright red or may look like coffee grounds).
- Changes in energy or behavior, trouble moving normally, weakness, seizures, or becoming aggressive.
- Changes in how much your animal drinks or urinates.
- A change in the color or smell of urine, especially in cats.
- Skin problems such as redness, scabs, or itching.
- Yellow color of the gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes.
How will I know it’s working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s problems get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
The effects of this medicine may continue for several days after the final dose.
The effects may last longer if your animal’s liver or kidneys do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. You may need a refill.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or a poison help service for animals right away (a consultation fee applies):
- If you can, have the product container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact your local law enforcement office or your local waste management service.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions? Meloxicam for pets in Perth
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”