Meloxicam for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
Meloxicam is an oxicam NSAID used for pain and inflammation [1]. In dogs it is given at 0.2 mg/kg on the first day and then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [2]; in cats the US label allows only a single 0.3 mg/kg injection [3].
- Drug class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, oxicam)
- Sourced doses for
- Dogs, Cats
Meloxicam 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.
Meloxicam dose by species
| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation — first day Injection: single 0.2 mg/kg IV or SC, then oral 0.1 mg/kg daily from 24 h later. | 0.2 mg/kg[2] | PO, or IV/SC (injection) | Once, on day 1 | Label |
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation — maintenance | 0.1 mg/kg[2] | PO | Once daily | Label |
| Cats | Single injection (US label) No additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs. Not in cats with renal dysfunction. | 0.3 mg/kg[3] | SC | Single, one-time dose | Label |
What meloxicam is used for
How meloxicam works (mechanism of action)
NSAIDs act mainly by reducing prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX); COX-2 inhibition is thought to give the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, while concurrent COX-1 inhibition may cause many adverse effects [1]. Reported COX-1:COX-2 ratios suggest meloxicam is COX-2 selective [1].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
- Vomiting is the most common adverse effect of NSAIDs; gastrointestinal ulceration is the most common life-threatening one [1].
- Animals with underlying renal compromise may get worse on NSAIDs, and COX-2 selective drugs are not safer for the kidneys [1].
- Boxed warning (US): repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death — do not give additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats [3].
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive it (Metacam oral suspension label) [2].
Brands that contain meloxicam
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflavet | Virbac India | Meloxicam + Paracetamol + Lignocaine | India |
| Loxicom | Norbrook Laboratories | Meloxicam | European Union |
| Melobest Pet | TTK Healthcare (Animal Welfare Division) | Meloxicam | India |
| Melodox Vet | Doctor's Vet-Pharma | Meloxicam | India |
| Melonex | Intas Pharmaceuticals | Meloxicam | India |
| Melopet | Neo Kumfurt | Meloxicam | India |
| Meloxidyl | Ceva Animal Health | Meloxicam | International |
| Metacam | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health | Meloxicam | USA (FDA label) |
| Metaflam | Sava Healthcare (Savavet) | Meloxicam | India |
| Zeleris | Ceva Animal Health | Florfenicol + Meloxicam | Canada |
| Zeronac M | Corise Healthcare | Meloxicam | India |
Frequently asked questions
What is the meloxicam dose for dogs?
0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [2].
Can cats be given meloxicam daily?
Not under the US label: only a single 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection, because repeated use in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death [3].
References
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals
Passage read from this source
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
In dogs, a one-time loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg, PO, is recommended, followed by 0.1 mg/kg per day, PO.
In the EU and other countries, it is approved for use in dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and horses
Vomiting is the most commonly observed adverse effect
- METACAM (meloxicam) oral suspension — label
Passage read from this source
Each milliliter of METACAM Oral Suspension contains meloxicam equivalent to 1.5 milligrams
initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment.
should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg).
Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive METACAM Oral Suspension.
- METACAM (meloxicam) injection — label
Passage read from this source
METACAM 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection
Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of METACAM Injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg)
Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.