Meloxicam

What it is used for

• Post-operative pain
• Chronic pain (Off-label / Non-US protocols)
• Analgesia
• Pain and inflammation (e.g., mastitis, dehorning)
• Musculoskeletal pain/inflammation
• Analgesia/Inflammation
• Non-infectious locomotor disorders
• Analgesia (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs)
• Osteoarthritis / Pain management
• Post-operative pain
• Analgesia/Inflammation

How it is given

Possible side effects

• Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence)
• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (melena, hematemesis)
• Renal toxicity (elevated BUN/Creatinine, acute kidney injury)
• Hepatic toxicity (elevated ALT/AST, rare but possible)
• Lethargy or depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inappetence
• Gastrointestinal ulceration
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic enzyme elevation

Cautions & contraindications

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAIDs
• Active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
• Pre-existing renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular dysfunction
• Hypovolemic, dehydrated, or hypotensive patients (increased risk of renal toxicity)
• Concurrent use of other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
• Bleeding disorders
• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
• Impaired hepatic, cardiac, or renal function
• Hemorrhagic disorders
• Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
• Concurrent use of corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
• Dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive animals
• **Important Precautions:** * **Hydration Status:** Ensure patients are well-hydrated and normotensive prior to administration, especially perioperatively, to mitigate the risk of ischemic renal injury. * **Feline Use:** In the United States, meloxicam carries a **Black Box Warning** for cats regarding repeated oral dosing, which has been associated with acute renal failure and death. However, single-dose injections for post-operative pain are approved, and off-label highly titrated, low-dose chronic use is practiced in other countries under strict monitoring. * **Washout Periods:** Implement an appropriate washout period (typically 5-7 days) when transitioning a patient from a corticosteroid or another NSAID to meloxicam.

Drug interactions

• Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone): Significantly increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Concurrent use is strictly contraindicated.
• Other NSAIDs (e.g., Carprofen, Deracoxib): Additive toxicity; increases risk of GI, renal, and hepatic adverse effects. A washout period is required when switching.
• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Benazepril): May reduce the efficacy of the ACE inhibitor and increase the risk of renal toxicity.
• Furosemide: NSAIDs may reduce the diuretic effect of furosemide.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., Heparin, Warfarin): Increased risk of bleeding complications.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
• Other NSAIDs: Increased risk of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity
• ACE Inhibitors: Potential reduction in hypotensive effect and increased risk of renal toxicity

Frequently asked questions