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Firocoxib

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — selective COX-2 inhibitor (coxib class)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog
Brands
2 available
Interactions
5 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while sparing COX-1 mediated GI and platelet functions

At a glance

Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — selective COX-2 inhibitor (coxib class)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 30°C
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 2008-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Osteoarthritis
Dose
5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
227 mg
Duration: Long-term with monitoring
Post-operative orthopaedic/soft tissue pain
Dose
5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
227 mg
Duration: 3-7 days
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

💊

Chewable tablet — 2

Strength
57mg
Available in India
Strength
227mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 30°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Cats
    Not approved or studied in cats — do not use
  • GI ulceration
    Risk of worsening ulceration
  • Concurrent NSAIDs or corticosteroids
    Synergistic toxicity
    MeloxicamCarprofenPrednisolone

Use with caution

  • Hepatic or renal impairment
    Monitor closely

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Hepatotoxicity
Renal failure

Monitoring parameters

Liver enzymesRenal functionGI signsAppetite
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 →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 2

Meloxicam
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition with greatly increased adverse effect risk
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow 5-7 day washout when switching.
Carprofen
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity risk
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow 5-7 day washout when switching.

Major — 2

Prednisolone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI ulceration risk regardless of COX-2 selectivity.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout when transitioning.
Dexamethasone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI ulceration risk even with COX-2 selective NSAID.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between switching. If overlap unavoidable, gastroprotect and monitor closely.

Moderate — 1

Benazepril
moderate
NSAID + ACE inhibitor: reduced renal prostaglandin effect opposes ACE inhibitor renal protection.
Management: Monitor renal function when combining. Ensure adequate hydration.
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 →

Brands

International

Previcox
Boehringer Ingelheim
Firodyl
Ceva

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Firocoxib?
Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) — selective cox-2 inhibitor (coxib class) used in pets. Selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while sparing COX-1 mediated GI and platelet functions
›What is Firocoxib used for in pets?
Firocoxib is used in veterinary medicine for: Osteoarthritis; Post-operative orthopaedic/soft tissue pain.
›What is the Firocoxib dose for dogs?
For dogs, Firocoxib is typically dosed as follows — Osteoarthritis: 5 mg/kg PO SID; Post-operative orthopaedic/soft tissue pain: 5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Firocoxib?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Hepatotoxicity, Renal failure.
›Does Firocoxib need a prescription?
Yes. Firocoxib is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Firocoxib not be used?
Do not use Firocoxib if: Cats; GI ulceration; Concurrent NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
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 →

References

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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Carprofen
Rx
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
dogcat
Ketoprofen
Rx
Inhibits both COX and lipoxygenase pathways, blocking prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
dogcat
Meloxicam
Rx
Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
dogcat
Piroxicam
Rx
Non-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties; also used as anti-tumor agent due to anti-angiogenic effects in transitional cell carcinoma
dog
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