Brands
Metacam
Mobic
Availability
Tablets: 7.5 mg and 15 mg
Suspension: 0.5 mg/ml and 1.5 mg/ml
Available in 10 ml dropper bottle (0.1 mL = 2 drops= 0.2 mg)
Pharmacology
Meloxicam, an oxicam derivative, belongs to a newer family of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) called COX-2 inhibitors that block the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, which is thought to trigger pain and inflammation in the body. A related enzyme, but somewhat different, is cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). It produces biochemicals needed to maintain normal blood supply to the kidneys and GI tract. Previous NSAIDs were unable to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 without also inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase-1, hence they produced unpleasant side effects.
Meloxicam has shown, at therapeutic dosing, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.
It is interesting to note that some forms of cancer such as carcinomas (e.g. Squamous Cell Carcinoma) appear to exhibit COX-2 activity. Studies suggest that these types of NSAIDs may have anti-tumor effects besides their anti-inflammatory effects. This may make them useful in palliative care where tumors are inoperable.
Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam acts to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis thereby exerting an
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-exudative and antipyretic effect . It is able to
reduce leukocyte infiltration into inflamed tissue.
Meloxicam has a duration of action, in most species of animals, from 24 to 48 hours. It is distributed into blood, liver, kidneys an synovial fluid, and is believed to cross placental barrier. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in both feces and urine. It has also been found in the milk of lactating rats.
Indications
Used for relief of inflammation and pain where the side effects of a corticosteroid is not acceptable. Also used as an analgesic following surgery, as a supplement to opioids in major surgery where pain is anticipated
27 , and during palliative care for inoperable tumors.
Drug Interactions or Contraindications
Should not be given to pregnant or lactating animals.
Decreases the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.
Since many NSAIDs have the potential to produce gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, avoid concomitant use of meloxicam (Metacam) with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
Do not use on animals with history of asthma, or suffering from gastrointestinal irritation and hemorrhage, impaired hepatic, cardiac, or renal functions.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: restlessness or lethargy
GI: loss of appetite, diarrhea, GI ulceration, fecal occult blood
GU: renal papillary necrosis, renal failure, albuminuria, frequent urination
Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes
Hematologic: anemia, elevated BUN and creatinine
Skin: pruritus (itching)
Metabolic: dehydration
Other: edema
Use cautiously in dehydrated, hypovolemic or hypotensive animals due to the potential for increased risk of renal toxicity. 27
Dosage Recommendations
*Note: dosages should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose by veterinarian, when needed, to treat chronic conditions.
0.2 mg/kg , PO or SQ, once daily. 27
or
0.5 mg/kg , PO or SQ , daily. 26
or
1.0 mg/kg , PO or SQ , daily. 5 17
or
1.0 mg/kg to 2.0 mg/kg , PO or SQ 26:Analgesic
Considerations
- *Note: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may mask clinical signs of infection. It is often recommended , if deciding to use NSAIDs or steroids in rats long term, to add a broad-spectrum antibiotic as part of the treatment regimen.
- Prevent dehydration by providing juicy types of fruit in addition to fresh water.
- Shake suspensions well before use.
- Give med at same time every day.
- May give with or without food.
- Report increase swelling, changes in stool (black), urinary changes, or weight gain to the vet.
- Store in a closed container, in a dry area, at room temperature.
References
- Gallo, O., Franchi, A., Magnelli, L., Sardi, I., Vannacci, A., Boddi, V., Chiarugi, V., & Masini, E. (2001). Cyclooxygenase-2 pathway correlates with VEGF expression in head and neck cancer. Implications for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Neoplasia, 3(1), 53-61. Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1505025.
- Iwase, N., Higuchi, T., Gonda, T., Kobayashi, H., Uetake, H., Enomoto, M., & Sugihara, K. (2007). The effect of meloxicam, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on the microvasculature of small metastatic liver tumors in rats. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(9), 673-678. Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://jjco.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/37/9/673?rss=1.
- Metacam. (2005). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141213pi.pdf.
- Veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). (2008). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://www.fda.gov/cvm/nsaids.htm.
Posted on June 23, 2003, 16:25,
Last updated on April 6, 2010, 17:18
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