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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

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

Frequency

Monthly (after initial 2 doses 14 days apart)

🐈

Cat

Not licensed for feline use

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

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