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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

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

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