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Deracoxib

Prescription

Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (Coxib-Class NSAID)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

4 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Highly selective COX-2 inhibitor that reduces prostaglandin synthesis at sites of inflammation while largely sparing COX-1-mediated protective prostaglandins in the GI tract and kidneys.

At a glance

Class

Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (Coxib-Class NSAID)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

FDA-approved for canine OA and perioperative pain

Dose

1–2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Not recommended for cats

Dose

—

Route

N, A

Frequency

N/A

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal and hepatic function baseline and q6 monthsGI signsBody weight

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

contraindicated

Even COX-2 selective NSAID + aspirin causes significant GI ulceration — aspirin blocks COX-1 protective prostaglandins.

Management: Do not combine. 7-10 day washout from aspirin.

Major — 2

Prednisolone

major

COX-2 selective NSAID + corticosteroid still carries significant GI ulceration risk despite COX-2 selectivity.

Management: Avoid concurrent use. COX-2 selectivity does not eliminate risk when combined with corticosteroids.

Dexamethasone

major

COX-2 selective NSAID + corticosteroid still causes significant GI ulceration risk.

Management: Avoid. COX-2 selectivity does not protect against steroid-mediated mucosal damage.

Moderate — 1

Furosemide

moderate

NSAID reduces prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow and sodium excretion, decreasing diuretic efficacy.

Management: Monitor urine output and renal function. May need to increase furosemide dose.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Deramaxx

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Deracoxib?

Deracoxib is a selective cox-2 inhibitor (coxib-class nsaid) used in pets. Highly selective COX-2 inhibitor that reduces prostaglandin synthesis at sites of inflammation while largely sparing COX-1-mediated protective prostaglandins in the GI tract and kidneys.

›What is Deracoxib used for in pets?

Deracoxib is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved for canine OA and perioperative pain; Not recommended for cats.

›What is the Deracoxib dose for dogs?

For dogs, Deracoxib is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for canine OA and perioperative pain: 1–2 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Deracoxib dose for cats?

For cats, Deracoxib is typically dosed as follows — Not recommended for cats: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Deracoxib need a prescription?

Yes. Deracoxib is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database