Comparison
Grapiprant vs Meloxicam in Dogs: Dosing, Safety & Key Differences
GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the METACAM Oral Suspension label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs in dogs [1][2] In dogs, GALLIPRANT was given at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) once daily for 28 days in a controlled field study, and METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment, then once daily at 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) for all treatments after day 1 [1][2] Meloxicam has a day-one dose of 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg), whereas grapiprant stays at 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) once daily [1][2].
Grapiprant vs meloxicam: side by side
| Feature | Grapiprant | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) | The METACAM label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs [1][2] |
| Formulation on these labels | Tablets | Oral suspension [1][2] |
| Most common adverse effects | Diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence | Vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, inappetence [1][2] |
Dosing grapiprant vs meloxicam
| Drug | Species | Dose | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grapiprant (GALLIPRANT) | Dog | 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) | once daily [1] | |
| Meloxicam (METACAM) | Dog | 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) | PO | First day of treatment only [2] |
| Meloxicam (METACAM) | Dog | 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) | PO | Once daily thereafter [2] |
- If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of GALLIPRANT, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary [1]
- Meloxicam suspension may be mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth [2].
Mechanism of each
- GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) [1]
- The METACAM label states that, as a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity, and NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function [2]
Side effects
- Diarrhea, vomiting and inappetence were the most common treatment-related adverse reactions to grapiprant [1].
- Vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea and inappetence were the most common adverse reactions to meloxicam [2].
When to avoid each
- Dogs at greatest risk for adverse events with GALLIPRANT are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction [1]
- Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity with METACAM Oral Suspension are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction [2]
- In dogs, serious adverse reactions associated with METACAM can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death [2]
- Both labels name dehydrated dogs and dogs on concomitant diuretic therapy among those at greatest risk [1][2].
Combining with other anti-inflammatories
- If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of GALLIPRANT, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary [1]
- Meloxicam should not be used together with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids [2].
Key differences
- GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), while the METACAM label discusses cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs [1][2]
- In dogs, METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment, whereas GALLIPRANT was given at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) once daily for 28 days in a controlled field study [1][2]
- In a controlled field study, GALLIPRANT-treated dogs ranged in age from 2 to 16.75 years, and field safety for METACAM was evaluated in 306 dogs [1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Does meloxicam need a loading dose but grapiprant not?
Can I switch a dog from meloxicam to grapiprant and give both?
For dogs, the METACAM label says the use of another NSAID is not recommended and to consider appropriate washout times when switching from corticosteroid use or from one NSAID to another, while the GALLIPRANT label says a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary if additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose [1][2]
Which can be given with food?
METACAM Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth [2]
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Ask WeVet about thisReferences
- Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) — Product Information
Passage read from this source
As a class, NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic toxicity. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse events varies with the individual patient. Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. 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.
If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of GALLIPRANT, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be carefully approached and monitored. NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function. GALLIPRANT blocks the activity of the specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
The concomitant use of protein-bound drugs with GALLIPRANT has not been studied in dogs. Commonly used protein-bound drugs include cardiac, anticonvulsant and behavioral medications. The influence of concomitant drugs that may inhibit metabolism of GALLIPRANT has not been evaluated. Drug compatibility should be monitored in patients requiring adjunctive therapy.
In a controlled field study, 285 dogs were evaluated for safety when given either GALLIPRANT or a vehicle control (tablet minus grapiprant) at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) once daily for 28 days. GALLIPRANT-treated dogs ranged in age from 2 to 16.75 years. The following adverse reactions were observed:
- Metacam (meloxicam oral suspension) for dogs — Product Information
Passage read from this source
Always provide client information sheet with prescription. Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of METACAM and other treatment options before deciding to use METACAM. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment. For all treatments after day 1, METACAM Oral Suspension should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg). The syringe is calibrated to deliver the daily maintenance dose in pounds.
Shake well before use then remove cap. METACAM Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. METACAM Oral Suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 5 pound increment. Alternatively, METACAM Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight for the 1.5 mg/mL concentration (two drops…
Shake well before use then remove cap. METACAM Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. METACAM Oral Suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 pound increment. Alternatively, METACAM Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: two drops for each pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (five drops…
As a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse events varies with the individual patient. Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity 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. NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins that maintain normal homeostatic function. Such anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in patients with underlying or pre-existing disease that has not been previously diagnosed. Since NSAIDs possess the potential to induce gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or perforations, concomitant…
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