Carprofen vs Meloxicam in Cats: NSAID Dosing and Safety

References

1. METACAM (meloxicam) 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection ...animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov
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   Drug Labeler Code: 000010 c. Established Name: meloxicam d. Proprietary Name: METACAM 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection e. Dosage Form: injectable f. How Supplied: 10 mL bottle g. How Dispensed: Rx h. Amount of Active Ingredients: 5 mg meloxicam/mL i. Route of Administration: subcutaneous injection j. Species/Class: feline Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose k. Recommended Dosage: of METACAM 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) body weight. Use of additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs is contraindicated. (See Contraindications). To ensure accuracy of dosing, the use of a 1 mL graduated syringe is recommended. l. Pharmacological Category: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)

   Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-219 Page 22 C. General Design: 1) Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the toxicological effects of increasing doses of METACAM (meloxicam) 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection administered to cats. 2) Test Animals: Twenty-four crossbred cats, 12 males and 12 females were used in this study. At commencement of treatment, the cats were between 7 and 36 months of age and weighed between 1.92 and 3.71 kg. 3) Control: Vehicle 4) Dosage Form: Injectable solution containing 5 mg meloxicam per mL. The final market formulation was used.

   Conclusions: The subcutaneous administration of METACAM (meloxicam) 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection to cats for three days at 0.3 mg/kg (1X) was tolerated clinically. Cats receiving five times the proposed dose demonstrated signs typical of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds. These signs included loose feces and vomiting. Cats receiving doses of 0.9 (3X) and 1.5 (5X) mg/kg/day showed histological changes of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. G. Adverse Reactions: The following adverse reactions were seen during the study: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and scratching/licking the injection site. Title: Tolerance Study in Cats on Meloxicam (METACAM) at a Dose Level of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg Bodyweight Given as Single Subcutaneous Injections Followed by Oral Treatment at the Same Dose for 9 Consecutive Days. Study…

   Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-219 Page 25 Ballina County Mayo Ireland C. General Design: 1) Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the tolerance in cats following multiple administrations of METACAM (meloxicam) over a period of 10 days. 2) Test Animals: Twelve cats, 6 males and 6 females, were used in this study. At commencement of treatment, the cats were between 18 months and 4 years of age. 3) Control: Saline 4) Dosage Form: Injectable solution containing 5 mg meloxicam per mL Oral suspension containing 1.5 mg/mL 5) Route of Administration: The initial dose was administered by subcutaneous injection. The subsequent oral doses were administered into the mouth via a syringe.

2. What Veterinarians Should Advise Clients About Pain ...www.fda.gov · Nov 20, 2024
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   In the United States, only two NSAIDs are approved for short-term use in cats to control postoperative pain and inflammation after spays, neuters, and orthopedic surgeries: 1) meloxicam is given as a single subcutaneous (SC) injection before surgery; and 2) robenacoxib is given for a maximum of three days as either an oral tablet or SC injection. No NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats. More than one dose (repeated doses) of meloxicam in cats—which is an extra-label use—can cause kidney failure and death, and more than three doses of robenacoxib in cats have not been shown to be safe. Because of the short-term duration of use, it’s not feasible to switch between NSAIDs in cats. Veterinarians should select…

3. Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Petswww.fda.gov · Sep 29, 2022
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   Currently, no NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats. Cats are especially sensitive to the side effects of NSAIDs. More than one dose (repeated doses) of meloxicam in cats can cause kidney failure or death, and more than three doses of robenacoxib have not been shown to be safe in cats.

4. Meloxicam Injection for Catswww.drugs.com · May 28, 2026
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   Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of meloxicam injection and other treatment options before deciding to use meloxicam injection. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. Cats: Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of meloxicam injection 5 mg/mL solution for injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) body weight. Use of additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs is contraindicated. (See Contraindications). To ensure accuracy of dosing, the use of a 1 mL graduated syringe is recommended.

   Cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive meloxicam injection 5 mg/mL solution for injection. Additional doses of meloxicam or other NSAIDs in cats are contraindicated, as no safe dosage for repeated NSAID administration has been established (See Animal Safety). Do not use meloxicam in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction.

   Patients at greatest risk for adverse events are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be carefully approached and monitored. Anesthetic drugs may affect renal perfusion; approach concomitant use of anesthetics and NSAIDs cautiously. Appropriate monitoring procedures should be employed during all surgical procedures. The use of perioperative parenteral fluids is recommended to decrease potential renal complications when using NSAIDs. If additional pain medication is needed after the single one-time dose of meloxicam, a non-NSAID class of analgesic may be necessary. In one study1, one cat in each NSAID treatment group had increased intraoperative hemorrhage.

   Subsequent oral dosing - In a nine day study with three treatment groups, meloxicam injection was given as a single subcutaneous injection using doses of 0 mg/kg (saline injection), 0.3 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg on Day 0. Meloxicam oral suspension, 1.5 mg/mL or saline was then administered orally once-daily at the same respective dose (0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg) for eight consecutive days. Clinical adverse reactions included vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased food consumption in the treated groups, and one day of diarrhea in one control cat. The gross necropsy report includes observation of reddened GI mucosa in 3 of 4 cats in the 0.3 mg/kg group and 1 of 4 cats in the 0.6 mg/kg group. All saline-treated cats were…

5. Carprofen Flavored Tabletsanimaldrugsatfda.fda.gov
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   Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from  one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. Carprofen tablets treatment was not associated with  renal toxicity or gastrointestinal ulceration in well controlled safety studies of up to ten times the dose in healthy dogs. Carprofen tablets are not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand’s disease), as safety  has not been established in dogs with these disorders. The safe use of carprofen tablets in animals less than 6 weeks  of age, pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established. Studies to  determine the activity of carprofen tablets when administered concomitantly with other protein-bound or similarly  metabolized drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring  additional therapy.

   Such drugs commonly used include cardiac, anticonvulsant and behavioral medications. It has been  suggested that treatment with carprofen may reduce the level of inhalant anesthetics needed. 15 If additional pain medication is warranted after administration of the total daily dose of carprofen tablets, alternative  analgesia should be considered. The use of another NSAID is not recommended. Consider appropriate washout times  when switching from one NSAID to another or when switching from corticosteroid use to NSAID use. INFORMATION FOR DOG OWNERS: Carprofen tablets, like other drugs of its class, are not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with drug  intolerance.

   Immunologic or hypersensitivity: Facial swelling, hives, erythema. In rare situations, death has been associated with some of the adverse reactions listed above. To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet, contact  Dechra at 1-866-933-2472. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact  FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Always provide Client Information Sheet with prescription. Carefully consider the potential  benefts and risk of carprofen tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use carprofen tablets. Use the lowest  effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. The recommended dosage for oral  administration  to dogs is 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) of body weight daily.

   In these studies, dogs presented  for ovariohysterectomy, cruciate repair and aural surgeries were administered carprofen tablets preoperatively and for a  maximum of 3 days (soft tissue) or 4 days (orthopedic) postoperatively. In general, dogs administered carprofen tablets  showed statistically signifcant improvement in pain scores compared to controls. ANIMAL SAFETY: Laboratory studies in unanesthetized dogs and clinical feld studies have demonstrated that carprofen  tablets are well tolerated in dogs after oral administration. In target animal safety studies, carprofen tablets were administered orally to healthy Beagle dogs at 1, 3, and 5 mg/lb  twice daily (1, 3 and 5 times the recommended total daily dose) for 42 consecutive days with no signifcant adverse  reactions.

6. Rycarfa 50mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats & Dogswww.noahcompendium.co.uk · Nov 25, 2015
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   Intravenous and subcutaneous use. Dogs: The recommended dosage is 4.0 mg carprofen/kg bodyweight (1 ml/12.5 kg bodyweight). The veterinary medicinal product is best given pre-operatively, either at the time of premedication or induction of anaesthesia. Cats: The recommended dosage is 4.0 mg/kg (0.24 ml/3.0 kg bodyweight), best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia. The use of a 1 ml graduated syringe is recommended to measure the dose accurately. Clinical trial evidence in dogs and cats suggests only a single dose of carprofen is required in the first 24 hours perioperatively; if further analgesia is required in this period a half dose (2 mg/kg) of carprofen may be given to dogs (but not to cats) as necessary. To…

   In dogs, to extend analgesic and anti-inflammatory cover post-operatively, parenteral therapy may be followed with carprofen tablets at 4 mg/kg/day for up to 5 days. For administration of the veterinary medicinal product a 21-gauge needle should be used. The cap can be punctured up to 20 times. When puncturing more than 20 times, use a draw-off needle. Use during pregnancy, lactation and lay Laboratory studies in laboratory animals (rat, rabbit) have shown evidence of foetotoxic effects of carprofen at doses close to the therapeutic dose. The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established during pregnancy and lactation. Do not use in dogs or cats during pregnancy or lactation.

7. summary of product characteristicswww.vmd.defra.gov.uk
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   Revised: February 2025 AN: 00289/2024 & 00295/2024 Page 2 of 6 bleeding, or hypersensitivity to carprofen or any other NSAIDs or any excipients of this veterinary medicinal product. As with other NSAIDs there is a risk of rare renal or idiosyncratic hepatic adverse events. Do not administer by intramuscular injection. Do not use after surgery which was associated with considerable blood loss. Do not use in cats on repeated occasions. Do not use in cats less than 5 months of age. Do not use in dogs less than 10 weeks of age. See also section 3.7. 3.4 Special warnings None. 3.5 Special precautions for use Special precautions for safe use in the target species: Do not exceed the recommended dose…

   Due to the longer half life in cats and narrower therapeutic index, particular care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose and the dose should not be repeated. Use in aged dogs and cats, may involve additional risk. If such use cannot be avoided, such animals may require a reduced dosage and careful clinical management. Avoid use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animal, as there is a potential risk of increased renal toxicity. NSAIDs can cause inhibition of phagocytosis and hence in the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with bacterial infection, appropriate concurrent antimicrobial therapy should be instigated. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals: Care should be taken…

   Carprofen is highly bound to plasma proteins and may compete with other highly bound drugs, which can lead to toxic effects. Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided. 3.9 Administration routes and dosage Intravenous and subcutaneous use. Dogs: The recommended dosage is 4.0 mg carprofen/kg bodyweight (1 ml/12.5 kg bodyweight), by intravenous or subcutaneous injection. The veterinary medicinal product t is best given pre-operatively, either at the time of premedication or induction of anaesthesia. Cats: subcutaneous or intravenous injection, best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia. The use of a 1 ml graduated syringe is recommended to measure the dose accurately.

   Revised: February 2025 AN: 00289/2024 & 00295/2024 Page 4 of 6 Clinical trial evidence in dogs and cats suggests only a single dose of carprofen is required in the first 24 hours perioperatively; if further analgesia is required in this period a half dose (2 mg/kg) of carprofen may be given to dogs (but not to cats) as necessary. To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible. In dogs, to extend analgesic and anti-inflammatory cover post-operatively, parenteral therapy may be followed with carprofen tablets at 4 mg/kg/day for up to 5 days. For administration of the veterinary medicinal product a 21-gauge needle should be used. The cap can be punctured up to 20 times.…

8. Rimadyl Small Animal Solution for Injection 50 mg/mlwww.noahcompendium.co.uk · May 12, 2016
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   In the dog, the recommended dosage is 4 mg/kg (1 ml/12.5 kg) bodyweight, by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, best given pre-operatively, either at the time of premedication or induction of anaesthesia. To extend analgesia and anti-inflammatory cover post-operatively, parenteral therapy may be followed with Rimadyl Tablets at 4 mg/kg/day for up to 5 days. In the cat, the recommended dosage is 4 mg/kg (0.24 ml/3 kg) bodyweight by subcutaneous or intravenous injection, best given pre-operatively at the time of induction of anaesthesia. In the cat, due to the longer half-life, and narrower therapeutic index, particular care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dose and the use of a 1 ml graduated syringe is recommended to measure the dose accurately.

   Clinical trial evidence in dogs and cats suggests that only a single dose of carprofen is required in the first 24 hours peri-operatively; if further analgesia is required within this period, a single half-dose (2 mg/kg) of carprofen may be given to dogs (but not cats) as necessary.

9. RIMADYL® (carprofen)dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
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   The mechanism of action of carprofen, like that of other NSAIDs, is believed to be associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity. Two unique cyclooxygenases have been described in mammals.2 The constitutive cyclooxygenase, COX-1, synthesizes prostaglandins necessary for normal gastrointestinal and renal function. The inducible cyclooxygenase, COX-2, generates prostaglandins involved in inflammation. Inhibition of COX-1 is thought to be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity while inhibition of COX-2 provides anti-inflammatory activity. The specificity of a particular NSAID for COX-2 versus COX-1 may vary from species to species.3 In an in vitro study using canine cell cultures, carprofen demonstrated selective inhibition of COX-2 versus COX-1.4 Clinical relevance of these data has not been shown. Carprofen has also been shown to…

   Carprofen is an NSAID, and as with others in that class, adverse reactions may occur with its use. The most frequently reported effects have been gastrointestinal signs. Events involving suspected renal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic effects have also been reported. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached cautiously, with appropriate monitoring. Concomitant use of Rimadyl with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided because of the potential increase of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or perforations. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient. Dogs that…

10. Metacam 2 mg/ml solution for injection for catswww.noahcompendium.co.uk · May 12, 2016
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    Reduction of post-operative pain and inflammation when administration of meloxicam is to be continued as an oral follow-up therapy: Single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.1 ml/kg body weight) before surgery, for example at the time of induction of anaesthesia. To continue treatment for up to five days, this initial dose may be followed 24 hours later by administration of Metacam 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats at a dosage of 0.05 mg meloxicam/kg body weight. The oral follow-up dose may be administered for up to a total of four doses at 24 hour intervals. Reduction of post-operative pain and inflammation where no oral follow-up treatment is possible e.g. feral cats:

11. Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and catswww.noahcompendium.co.uk · May 12, 2016
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    Administration routes and dosage Dogs Musculo-skeletal disorders Single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.4 ml/10 kg body weight). Metacam 1.5 mg/ml oral suspension for dogs or Metacam 1 mg and 2.5 mg chewable tablets for dogs may be used for continuation of treatment at a dosage of 0.1 mg meloxicam/kg body weight, 24 hours after administration of the injection. Reduction of post-operative pain (over a period of 24 hours) Single intravenous or subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.2 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.4 ml/10 kg body weight) before surgery, for example at the time of induction of anaesthesia. Cats Reduction of post-operative pain and inflammation when administration of meloxicam is to…

    Single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.2mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.04ml/kg body weight) before surgery, for example at the time of induction of anaesthesia. To continue treatment for up to five days, this initial dose may be followed 24 hours later by administration of Metacam 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats at a dosage of 0.05 mg meloxicam/kg body weight. The oral follow-up dose may be administered for up to a total of four doses at 24 hour intervals. Reduction of post-operative pain and inflammation where no oral follow-up treatment is possible e.g. feral cats: Single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 0.3 mg meloxicam/kg body weight (i.e. 0.06 ml/kg body weight) before surgery, for example at the…

12. meloxicamdailymed.nlm.nih.gov
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    Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of Loxicom and other treatment options before deciding to use Loxicom. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. Cats: Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of Loxicom® 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) body weight Use of additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs is contraindicated. (See Contraindications). To ensure accuracy of dosing, the use of a 1 mL graduated syringe is recommended.

    Cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Loxicom 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection. Additional doses of meloxicam or other NSAIDs in cats are contraindicated, as no safe dosage for repeated NSAID administration has been established (See Animal Safety). Do not use meloxicam in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction.

    Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, is not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with NSAID intolerance. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite and behavioral changes. Cat owners should be advised when their pet has received a meloxicam injection. Cat owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if possible adverse reactions are observed.

    Subsequent oral dosing - In a nine day study with three treatment groups, meloxicam injection was given as a single subcutaneous injection using doses of 0 mg/kg (saline injection), 0.3 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg on Day 0. Meloxicam oral suspension, 1.5 mg/mL or saline was then administered orally once-daily at the same respective dose (0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg) for eight consecutive days. Clinical adverse reactions included vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased food consumption in the treated groups, and one day of diarrhea in one control cat. The gross necropsy report includes observation of reddened GI mucosa in 3 of 4 cats in the 0.3 mg/kg group and 1 of 4 cats in the 0.6 mg/kg group. All saline-treated cats were…