Active ingredient

Deracoxib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20262 sources

Deracoxib was the first coxib-class NSAID approved for dogs ^[1]. Under the Deramaxx label dogs get 1–2 mg/kg once a day for osteoarthritis, or 3–4 mg/kg once a day for up to 7 days after surgery ^[2].

Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, coxib — COX-2 selective)
Sourced doses for: Dogs
Brands on this site: Deramaxx

Deracoxib dose calculator

Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.

Deracoxib dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Osteoarthritis Label: 0.45–0.91 mg/lb/day (1 to 2 mg/kg/day).	1–2 mg/kg^[2]	PO	Once daily, as needed	Label
Dogs	Post-operative pain	3–4 mg/kg^[2]	PO	Once daily, as needed · Not more than 7 days	Label

What deracoxib is used for

Dogs: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, and post-operative pain (Deramaxx label) ^[2].

How deracoxib works (mechanism of action)

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes ^[1]. In canine whole-blood assays deracoxib is 12- to 37-fold selective for COX-2 ^[1].

Safety, contraindications and precautions

For use in dogs only — do not use in cats ^[2].
Dogs with known hypersensitivity to deracoxib should not receive it ^[2].
Do not try to dose small dogs accurately by breaking larger tablets ^[2].

Brands that contain deracoxib

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Deramaxx	Elanco	Deracoxib	USA (FDA label)

Frequently asked questions

Can deracoxib be given to cats?

No — the Deramaxx label says it is for dogs only and must not be used in cats ^[2].

What is the deracoxib dose for dogs?

1–2 mg/kg once a day for osteoarthritis; 3–4 mg/kg once a day for up to 7 days after surgery ^[2].

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) · 2024 · Veterinary reference
Passage read from this source
Deracoxib, the first NSAID of the coxib class approved for use in dogs
whereas in vitro canine whole blood assays indicate it is 12- to 37-fold selective for COX-2.
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
DERAMAXX (deracoxib) chewable tablets — FDA labelingAnimal Drugs @ FDA — US label, Elanco · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
0.45 – 0.91 mg/lb/day (1 to 2 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose, as needed.
1.4 – 1.8 mg/lb/day (3 to 4 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose, as needed, not to exceed 7 days of administration.
For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
Dogs with known hypersensitivity to deracoxib should not receive DERAMAXX.

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.