Mavacoxib
Also known as: Trocoxil
> **CRITICAL WARNING:** This is **NOT** a daily medication. Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian (typically a dose on Day 1, Day 14, and then strictly once a month). Do not give extra doses. * **Give with Food:** Must be given with the dog's largest meal of the day. The drug is much better absorbed from the stomach if given with food. * **Watch for Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody or dark/tarry stools, changes in behavior, or changes in drinking/urination. *Note: Because this drug lasts a long time in the body, side effects could potentially occur weeks after the last dose was given.* * **Safe Storage:** These chewable tablets are highly palatable to dogs. Store them strictly out of reach of all animals and children to prevent accidental overdose.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Any
- Pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint disease in dogs aged 12 months or more in cases where continuous treatment exceeding one month is indicated
- Pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Renal toxicity
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Renal toxicity (especially if dehydrated or hypotensive)
- Hepatic accumulation (in poor metabolizers)
- Theoretical risk of precipitating cardiac failure
Cautions & contraindications
- Dogs less than 12 months of age
- Dogs less than 5 kg body weight
- Gastrointestinal disorders including ulceration and bleeding
- Evidence of a hemorrhagic disorder
- Impaired renal or hepatic function
- Cardiac insufficiency
- Hypersensitivity to mavacoxib, sulfonamides, or excipients
- Pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals
- Dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive animals
- Dehydrated, hypovolaemic, or hypotensive patients
- Gastrointestinal disease or ulceration
- Blood clotting disorders
- Liver disease (prolongs metabolism and causes accumulation)
Drug interactions
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril): NSAIDs can reduce effects on blood pressure and potentially reduce renal blood flow, increasing the risk for renal injury.
- Aspirin: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea). Long washout periods are warranted when switching.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea). Concurrent use is contraindicated.
- Digoxin: NSAIDs may increase serum levels of digoxin.
- Fluconazole: May increase plasma levels of mavacoxib (extrapolated from celecoxib data in humans).
- Furosemide: NSAIDs may reduce saluretic and diuretic effects.
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred when NSAIDs have been used concomitantly; use together with extreme caution.
- Nephrotoxic Drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): May enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity development.
- Other NSAIDs: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity. Do not administer other NSAIDs within 1 month of the last administration of mavacoxib.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mavacoxib used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL WARNING:** This is **NOT** a daily medication. Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian (typically a dose on Day 1, Day 14, and then strictly once a month). Do not give extra doses. * **Give with Food:** Must be given with the dog's largest meal of the day. The drug is much better absorbed from the stomach if given with food. * **Watch for Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody or dark/tarry stools, changes in behavior, or changes in drinking/urination. *Note: Because this drug lasts a long time in the body, side effects could potentially occur weeks after the last dose was given.* * **Safe Storage:** These chewable tablets are highly palatable to dogs. Store them strictly out of reach of all animals and children to prevent accidental overdose.
Is Mavacoxib safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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