What is Metacam?

Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication used to treat pain, stiffness, and inflammation in dogs. It also has other benefits, including fever reduction. Metacam for Dogs requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs (over the age of 6 months)

Benefits:

• Effectively treats pain and inflammation
• Gives your dog more mobility
• Comes with a graduated syringe, with weight measurements, that easily and accurately dispenses the correct amount of oral suspension
• Can be administered directly into your dog's mouth, or mixed in your dog's food
• Palatable taste

How does Metacam work?

Metacam works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in your pet's body.

Cautions:

While using Metacam, talk to your veterinarian before giving any other prescription or over-the-counter medications to your pet. Metacam should not be used in the last third of pregnancy or with nursing animals. Don't use in animals with heart, kidney, or liver disease.

Brand Name:

Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name:

Meloxicam (me-lock'-see-cam)

What is the most important information I should know about Metacam?

Metacam is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for use in dogs. Metacam is available as 1.5mg/ml suspension in a 10 ml, 32 ml, 100 ml, or 180 ml plastic squeeze dropper bottle with a measuring dose syringe included in the package. Metacam is also available as 0.5mg/ml suspension in a 15 ml dropper bottle with a measuring dose syringe included in the package. The usual dose of Metacam in dogs is 0.1mg per pound as an initial dose the first day, followed by 0.05mg per pound once a day thereafter. Shake well before using Metacam. Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional doses of injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Metacam to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; has liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should Metacam be given?

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Metacam may be given with or without food. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Store Metacam at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Metacam?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet on Metacam?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Metacam overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, headache, cardiac arrest, stomach pain, seizures, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while giving Metacam to my pet?

Many over the counter cough, cold, allergy and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAID's similar to Metacam. Before taking any prescription or over the counter medications talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist.

What are the possible side effects of Metacam?

Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Metacam and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); muscle cramps, open sores in the mouth, seizures, abdominal cramping. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Metacam and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Metacam?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen or piroxicam; an over the counter cough, cold, allergy or pain medication; furosemide; or warfarin. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.