Name:

Meloxicam

Common Capacity:

• Oral Suspension/Oral Solution: 10ml, 32ml, 100ml, 200ml/bottle
• Injection Solution: 10ml, 20ml, 50ml, 100ml/bottle

Common Concentration:

• Oral Suspension/Oral Solution: 1.5mg/ml
• Injection Solution: 5mg/ml

Applicable Animals:

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. Its mechanism of action primarily involves selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis and mitigating inflammatory responses.

• Pets:
  • Dogs: Primarily used for the alleviation of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Also used for postoperative analgesia and anti-inflammation.
  • Cats: Limited to single use for postoperative analgesia. Long-term use may pose significant renal toxicity to cats.
• Ruminant Animals (Cattle): Used for the alleviation of clinical signs of acute and chronic respiratory infections (e.g., bovine pleuropneumonia), or as an adjunctive treatment for enteritis and mastitis.
• Monogastric Animals (Pigs): Used for the treatment of non-infectious lameness and inflammation, e.g., adjunctive treatment for piglet diarrhea.

Usage and Dosage:

The usage and dosage of Meloxicam vary depending on the dosage form, animal species, and body weight. Strict adherence to veterinary guidance and product instructions is essential.

Oral Suspension:

• Dogs:
  • Initial Dose: 0.2mg/kg body weight, orally once on the first day.
  • Maintenance Dose (from second day onwards): 0.1mg/kg body weight, orally once daily.
  • Administration: Can be given directly or mixed with a small amount of food. The bottle comes with a dropper or measuring spoon for accurate dosing.
• Cats:
  • For single administration only, for postoperative analgesia: 0.3mg/kg body weight, administered orally once before surgery.

Injection Solution:

• Dogs:
  • Initial Dose: 0.2mg/kg body weight, single subcutaneous or intravenous injection.
  • Subsequent Treatment: Can be switched to oral formulation for continued maintenance therapy as needed, following the oral dosage.
• Cats:
  • For single administration only, for postoperative analgesia: 0.3mg/kg body weight, single subcutaneous injection before surgery.
• Cattle (Intravenous or Subcutaneous Injection):
  • Beef and Dairy Cattle: 0.5mg/kg body weight, single administration.
• Pigs (Intramuscular Injection):
  • 0.4mg/kg body weight, single administration.

Dosage by Growth Stage:

• Young Animals: In young animals, especially those under 6 weeks of age, renal function is not fully developed, so Meloxicam should be used with caution or contraindicated.
• Adult Animals: Use according to the recommended dosage based on body weight and disease requirements.
• Pregnant and Lactating Animals: Use in pregnant and lactating animals requires careful assessment under veterinary guidance, as NSAIDs may delay parturition or have adverse effects on the fetus or offspring.

Applicable Diseases and Symptoms:

Meloxicam is primarily used for the alleviation of symptoms associated with inflammation and pain.

• Dogs:
  • Osteoarthritis: Clinical signs such as lameness, stiffness, pain, and restricted mobility.
  • Postoperative Pain and Inflammation: Pain management after orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, etc.
• Cats:
  • Postoperative Pain and Inflammation: Limited to single administration for acute postoperative pain management.
• Cattle:
  • Acute Respiratory Infections: Respiratory symptoms accompanied by fever and inflammation.
  • Acute Mastitis: Adjunctive therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Diarrhea: Adjunctive therapy to reduce intestinal inflammation.
• Pigs:
  • Non-infectious lameness and inflammation.
  • Piglet Diarrhea: As an adjunctive treatment, can reduce inflammation and fever.

Precautions:

• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss. Severe cases may develop gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.
• Impaired Renal Function: Avoid use in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive animals, as this increases the risk of nephrotoxicity. Use with caution or contraindicate in animals with renal impairment.
• Impaired Hepatic Function: Use with caution or contraindicate in animals with hepatic impairment.
• Incompatibilities: Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Avoid concurrent use with aminoglycoside antibiotics or other nephrotoxic drugs.
• Coagulation Disorders: Use with caution in animals with bleeding disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy.
• Allergic Reactions: A very small number of animals may experience allergic reactions.
• Storage: Store sealed, protected from light, and out of reach of children.

Contraindications:

• Animals with hypersensitivity to Meloxicam or its excipients.
• Animals with a history of gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or related conditions.
• Animals with severe renal, hepatic, or cardiac dysfunction.
• Animals with coagulation disorders.
• Pregnant and lactating cats and dogs (unless veterinarian determines benefits outweigh risks).
• Contraindicated in dogs less than 6 weeks of age or cats less than 3 months of age.
• Meloxicam should not be used long-term in cats; it is limited to single use only.

Post-Administration Care:

• Close Observation: Closely observe the animal after administration for any adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, decreased urination, or difficulty urinating.
• Adequate Hydration: Ensure the animal has access to sufficient drinking water to aid renal metabolism.
• Diet Adjustment: If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, try small, frequent meals, or provide easily digestible food.
• Regular Check-ups: For animals on long-term medication, regular blood biochemical tests (especially liver and kidney function) are recommended to monitor for potential drug side effects.
• Follow Veterinary Instructions: Strictly adhere to the veterinarian’s medication plan; do not arbitrarily stop or change the dosage. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you have any questions or adverse reactions.