Firocoxib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
Firocoxib is a coxib-class NSAID approved in the US and EU for pain and inflammation [1]. Dogs get 5 mg/kg by mouth once a day — as needed for osteoarthritis, or for 3 days after surgery [2]. For horses with osteoarthritis, one 57 mg Equioxx tablet a day covers horses of 800–1300 lb, for up to 14 days; Equioxx oral paste is given at 0.1 mg/kg once a day [3].
- Drug class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, coxib — COX-2 selective)
- Sourced doses for
- Dogs, Horses
Firocoxib 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.
Firocoxib dose by species
| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Osteoarthritis Label: 2.27 mg/lb (5.0 mg/kg). | 5 mg/kg[2] | PO | Once daily, as needed | Label |
| Dogs | Post-operative pain and inflammation | 5 mg/kg[2] | PO | Once daily · 3 days, as needed | Label |
| Horses | Osteoarthritis (Equioxx oral paste dose) Paste dose as stated in the Equioxx tablet label (field studies): 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg). Tablets: one 57 mg tablet a day for 800–1300 lb, up to 14 days. | 0.1 mg/kg[3] | PO | Once daily | Label |
What firocoxib is used for
How firocoxib works (mechanism of action)
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1]. In canine whole-blood assays firocoxib is 384-fold more selective for COX-2 than COX-1, and its elimination half-life of about 8 hours allows once-daily dosing [1].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to firocoxib should not receive it (Previcox label) [2].
- The Previcox label warns against doses above 5 mg/kg in puppies under seven months old, and against use together with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids [2].
- Serious adverse reactions to this drug class can occur without warning [2].
- Equioxx is for horses only and must not be used in horses intended for human consumption [3].
Brands that contain firocoxib
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coxinflam | Drools Pet Food | Firocoxib | India |
| Coxkind | Pet Mankind Pharma | Firocoxib | India |
| Equioxx | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health | Firocoxib | USA (FDA label) |
| Firotail | Vivaldis Health and Foods | Firocoxib | India |
| Previcox | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health | Firocoxib | USA (FDA label) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the firocoxib dose for dogs?
5 mg/kg by mouth once a day — as needed for osteoarthritis, or for 3 days after surgery (Previcox label) [2].
Is firocoxib used in horses?
Yes — as Equioxx: one 57 mg tablet a day for horses of 800–1300 lb for up to 14 days, or the oral paste at 0.1 mg/kg a day. It must not be used in horses intended for human consumption [3].
References
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals
Passage read from this source
Firocoxib is a coxib-class NSAID approved in the US and EU for the control of pain and inflammation
COX-1:COX-2 ratios from in vitro canine whole blood assays indicate it is 384-fold more selective for COX-2.
The elimination half-life is ~8 hours, allowing dosing at 5 mg/kg per day, PO.
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
- PREVICOX (firocoxib) chewable tablets — label
Passage read from this source
The recommended dosage of PREVICOX (firocoxib) for oral administration in dogs is 2.27 mg/lb (5.0 mg/kg) body weight
once daily as needed for osteoarthritis
for 3 days as needed for postoperative pain and inflammation associated with soft-tissue and orthopedic surgery.
Dogs with known hypersensitivity to firocoxib should not receive PREVICOX.
- EQUIOXX (firocoxib) — label
Passage read from this source
when given EQUIOXX Oral Paste at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) orally once daily
one 57 mg tablet administered orally to horses weighing 800 – 1300 lbs, once daily for up to 14 days.
control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.
For use in horses only. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.