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Mavacoxib

Prescription
Long-Acting Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Highly selective COX-2 inhibitor with an exceptionally long half-life (~80 days in dogs) due to minimal first-pass metabolism and high lipophilicity. Provides sustained anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for up to one month per dose.

At a glance

Class
Long-Acting Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

EU-licensed for chronic OA pain in dogs
Dose
2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Monthly (after initial 2 doses 14 days apart)
🐈

Cat

Not licensed for feline use
Dose
—
Route
N, A
Frequency
N/A

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal function, hepatic enzymes, and GI assessment before each monthly doseBody weight

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Meloxicam
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs with mavacoxib's 80-day half-life: catastrophic GI ulceration risk that cannot be reversed by stopping mavacoxib.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow at least 3 months after last mavacoxib dose before any other NSAID.

Major — 1

Prednisolone
major
Long-acting NSAID (80-day half-life) + corticosteroid: extremely dangerous because mavacoxib CANNOT be rapidly discontinued if GI ulceration occurs.
Management: NEVER combine. The extremely long half-life of mavacoxib means that if toxicity occurs, the drug persists for weeks. Allow 3+ month washout of mavacoxib before steroid.

Brands

Other markets

Trocoxil

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Mavacoxib?
Mavacoxib is a long-acting selective cox-2 inhibitor (nsaid) used in pets. Highly selective COX-2 inhibitor with an exceptionally long half-life (~80 days in dogs) due to minimal first-pass metabolism and high lipophilicity. Provides sustained anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for up to one month per dose.
›What is Mavacoxib used for in pets?
Mavacoxib is used in veterinary medicine for: EU-licensed for chronic OA pain in dogs; Not licensed for feline use.
›What is the Mavacoxib dose for dogs?
For dogs, Mavacoxib is typically dosed as follows — EU-licensed for chronic OA pain in dogs: 2 mg/kg PO Monthly (after initial 2 doses 14 days apart). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Mavacoxib dose for cats?
For cats, Mavacoxib is typically dosed as follows — Not licensed for feline use: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Mavacoxib need a prescription?
Yes. Mavacoxib is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

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 →