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 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 theraputic 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.
The drug 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, 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 anti-inflammatory
drugs, such as NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin) 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, fecal occult blood
GU: renal papillary necrosis, frequent urination
Skin: pruritus (itching)
Other: edema
Dosage Recommendations
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 , daily. 26
*Note: dosages may be adjusted to a lower effective dose by veterinarian, where needed, to treat chronic conditions.
Considerations
- Shake suspensions well before use.
- Give med at same time every day.
- May give with or without food.
- When ceasing treatment with other NSAIDs or steroids, allow for a period of 24 hours before initiating treatment with meloxicam (Metacam).
- 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 January 1, 2009, 20:24
| NSAIDS
