# Mavacoxib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Mavacoxib is a long-acting coxib-class COX-2 inhibitor approved in the EU and Australia. The first dose is 2 mg/kg by mouth, repeated 14 days later, then once a month — no more…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/mavacoxib/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Mavacoxib is a long-acting coxib-class COX-2 inhibitor approved in the EU and Australia [1]. The first dose is 2 mg/kg by mouth, repeated 14 days later, then once a month — no more than seven doses (6.5 months) in total [1][2].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, coxib — long-acting)
- Brands: Trocoxil

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Osteoarthritis | 2 mg/kg [1] | PO | Day 0 and day 14, then once a month · Not more than 7 doses (6.5 months) | Reference |

## Uses

- Dogs: osteoarthritis pain and inflammation (Trocoxil) [1][2].

## Mechanism of action

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1]. Mavacoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor whose slow elimination gives it a very long half-life, so it is given at long intervals [1][2].

## Safety

- Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old and/or under 5 kg body weight [2].
- Because of the extended half-life, the effect lasts 1–2 months after the second dose — keep this in mind before switching to another NSAID [2].
- A maximum of 6.5 months of continuous therapy is recommended [2].


## Frequently asked questions

### Why is mavacoxib not given every day?

Its slow elimination gives it an extended plasma half-life, so one dose lasts much longer than other NSAIDs [2].

## References

[1] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals
[2] Trocoxil (mavacoxib) — data sheet — NOAH Compendium (UK) — Trocoxil data sheet (2026). https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-458630

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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