Meloxicam oral Suspension© (Meloxicam)
Meloxicam: Main Info
Meloxicam oral suspension is a drug that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from the oxicam group. It is a derivative of enolic acid. By the type of action, meloxicam is similar to piroxicam. Meloxicam was first developed and patented by the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of meloxicam lies in its ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, known inflammatory mediators. Meloxicam inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins at the site of inflammation to a greater extent than in the gastric mucosa or kidneys, where prostaglandins are also inhibited. This effect is achievable due to selective inhibition of COX-2. It is the inhibition of COX-2 that provides the therapeutic effects of most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The selectivity of meloxicam in relation to COX-2 and its incomparably lower inhibition of COX-1 helps to minimize side effects from the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
What Is Meloxicam Used for
Meloxicam is used for symptomatic treatment. In human medicine, this medicine is effective against osteoarthritis (arthrosis and other degenerative diseases of the joints), including those with a pain component. Meloxicam is also used against rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthropathy and dorsopathy, accompanied by pain. As for veterinary medicine, Meloxicam is used in dogs for the treatment of inflammation in acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, dislocations, edema, synovitis, tenosynovitis).
Meloxicam for Dogs
Meloxicam is used both in human medicine and in veterinary medicine. In particular, for dogs, meloxicam is prescribed to treat inflammation in acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The most convenient way to release Meloxicam for the treatment of dogs is an oral suspension. Meloxicam oral Suspension© is a light yellow suspension. During storage, especially longer than 1 month, the formation of a precipitate is allowed, which, when shaken, forms a uniform suspension. 100 ml of Meloxicam oral Suspension© contains 7.5 or 15 mg of Meloxicam as an active ingredient. As auxiliary substances, xanthan gum, sorbitol, glycerin, xylitol, citric acid, purified water and several other components are used. However, all of them are responsible only for the secondary characteristics of the drug, such as the taste, color and consistency of the suspension. Responsibility for the entire effect of the drug lies only with the substance Meloxicam. Meloxicam oral Suspension© is available in 10, 32 and 100 ml polymer bottles of the appropriate capacity, which are packed in cardboard boxes and provided with two measuring syringes designed for dogs weighing up to 7 kg and dogs weighing more than 7 kg.
Parameters assessed by veterinarians after prescribing Meloxicam include lameness, weight bearing, pain on palpation, and general improvement in the animal's condition. Dog owners should pay attention to aspects such as mobility, ability to stand up, lameness level and overall improvement. In most cases, clinical improvement with statistical significance is observed after 14 days of treatment with meloxicam in all of the above parameters.
Meloxicam Side Effect
Meloxicam Side Effects in Dogs
If you follow the protocol given to you by an expert for administering Meloxicam Suspension to Dogs, there will usually be no serious side effects. However, it is important to take into account that incorrect (over) dosage can cause kidney damage in dogs, which can lead to the development of acute or chronic renal failure. For this reason, this medicine is not recommended if the dog is dehydrated or suffers from hypotension, as damage occurs in the kidneys.
As a class, cyclooxygenase-inhibiting NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic toxicity quite frequently. Sensitivity to adverse events associated with taking the drug depends on the individual characteristics of the dog, as well as on the characteristics of its breed. Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from any other NSAID, including Meloxicam.
Patients at greatest risk of renal toxicity are those who are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or who already have renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Caution should be exercised when prescribing potentially nephrotoxic drugs at the same time. NSAIDs can inhibit prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function. Such antiprostaglandin effects may lead to the development of clinically significant disease in animals with an underlying pre-existing disease that was not previously diagnosed and was not taken into account when prescribing therapy. Since NSAIDs can cause ulceration and / or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, the simultaneous use of Meloxicam with other anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided. If additional pain medication is required after the total daily dose of METACAM oral suspension has been administered, the non-NSAID or corticosteroid class of analgesics should be considered. The simultaneous use of another NSAID is not recommended. Consider the elimination time of Meloxicam when switching from corticosteroids or from one NSAID to another in dogs. The use of protein-bound drugs concomitantly with Meloxicam oral suspension has not been studied in dogs. Commonly used protein-related drugs include cardiac, anticonvulsant, and behavioral drugs. The effect of concomitant drugs that may inhibit the metabolism of Meloxicam oral suspension has not been evaluated. The compatibility of different drugs should be monitored in patients requiring additional therapy.
Meloxicam for Dogs Dosage Chart
The usual dose in dogs is 0.1mg per pound as an initial dose the first day, followed by 0.05mg per pound once a day thereafter. All subsequent treatments are commonly administered once a day with a dosage of around 0.045 milligrams per pound of body weight. In some cases, the dosage regimen must be approached more individually, which is why it is necessary that the condition of the dog be carefully examined by a professional veterinarian. The clinical response to the administered drug begins 3-4 days after the beginning of the course.
Meloxicam 7.5 mg
Meloxicam suspension for dogs is available in two dosage options: 7.5 mg and 15 mg per 1 ml of medication. This diversification of the dosage makes it easy to dispense the required number of drops. The 7.5mg dosage is ideal for small to very small breeds of dogs.
Meloxicam 15 mg
Meloxicam 15 mg is the most suitable solution for dogs whose weight is more than 7 kg. Please note that for young and older dogs the recommended average dosage may be reduced as directed by your veterinarian. Dogs should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with Meloxicam 7.5 or 15 mg, then monitored regularly while on therapy.
Buy Generic Meloxicam
Meloxicam Generic For Dogs
Just like the original medicine, Meloxicam generic is prescribed for dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases of musculoskeletal system. As an oral liquid for dogs, Generic Meloxicam enables accurate and cost-effective titration down to the minimal effective dose.
Generics of Meloxicam oral suspension have nearly 100% bioavailability when administered orally with food. This parameter to some extent exceeds the bioavailability of the branded medicine. The terminal elimination half life after a single dose is estimated to be approximately 24 hrs (+/-32%) regardless of route of administration. There is no evidence of statistically significant gender differences in drug pharmacokinetics. Drug bioavailability, volume of distribution, and total systemic clearance remain constant up to 5 times the recommended dose for use in dogs. However, there is some evidence of enhanced drug accumulation and terminal elimination half-life prolongation when dogs are dosed for 45 days or longer.
Peak drug concentrations can be expected to occur within about 7.5 hours after oral administration. Corresponding peak concentration is approximately 0.465 mcg/ml following a 0.2 mg/kg oral dose. The drug is 97% bound to canine plasma proteins.
Meloxicam Generic Oral Suspension for Dogs
Used today for over 20 years, Meloxicam helps to control pain in osteoarthritis and related conditions in dogs. Today Meloxicam generics are produced in more than 30 countries around the world. All of them are united by the same active substance: Meloxicam. At the same time, the trade names of analogues (generics) of Meloxicam can be very different: generic Meloxicam, Metacam, Meloxivet and many others. Most generics, like the original medicine, are equipped with a convenient syringe for accurate dosing of the medicine in accordance with the weight of the pet. Dogs enjoy the honey-sweet taste of the suspension and most pets do not resist when given this medicine. Some generic drug manufacturers give the drug a fruity flavor. The suspension can be conveniently added to the dog’s food or given directly to the dog’s mouth. Ease of use makes Meloxicam generic suspension an ideal option to improve customer compliance.
There is no need for dog owners to worry that Meloxicam generics are inferior to the original drug in any way. They are distinguished only by auxiliary components, and neither the veterinarian nor the animal undergoing therapy will notice any difference, no matter what is used – a branded medicine or one of its generics. Meloxicam suspension generics are an absolutely complete analogue of the original drug and demonstrate a similar analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Is Generic Meloxicam Safe for Dogs
Meloxicam Suspension is not recommended for use in puppies under 6 months of age, in breeding dogs, or in pregnant or lactating dogs. Also, this medicine is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders, as the safety of use in dogs with such disorders has not yet been established and is in doubt. When following the recommendations of the veterinarian, Meloxicam generic is completely safe for the health of the dog, just like the original medicine. However, it is strongly not recommended for dog owners to make a decision on the appointment of Meloxicam to a dog on their own. Based on the results of scientific studies and clinical trials, GI abnormalities (vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, and inappetence) were the most common adverse reactions associated with the administration of Meloxicam.
Generic Meloxicam, like other drugs of its class, is not free from adverse reactions. Dog owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with intolerance to this drug. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death. Owners should be advised to discontinue using generic Meloxicam and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed. The vast majority of dogs with drug related adverse reactions have recover when the signs are recognized, the drug is withdrawn, and veterinary care, if appropriate, is initiated. Dog owners should be advised of the importance of periodic follow up for all dogs during administration of any NSAID, including generics of Meloxicam.
If you are considering giving Meloxicam to your dog, tell your veterinarian about limping or stiffness you have observed, ask what tests can be done before the drug is prescribed, how often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian. Tell the veterinarian if your dog has ever had such medical problems as side effects from NSAIDs, digestive upset, liver or disease. Don’t forget to mention any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had. List all the medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription.