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Meloxicam

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — preferential COX-2 inhibitor
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
40 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects

At a glance

Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — preferential COX-2 inhibitor
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1998-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Osteoarthritis (chronic)
Dose
0.1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
7.5 mg
Duration: Long-term (with monitoring)
Post-operative pain (loading dose)
Dose
0.2 mg/kg
Route
SC, PO
Frequency
Once, then 0.1mg/kg SID
Max dose
15 mg
Duration: 3-5 days
🐈

Cat

Acute pain (post-operative)
Dose
0.05–0.1 mg/kg
Route
SC, PO
Frequency
SID (max 3-5 days)
Max dose
0.5 mg
Duration: 3-5 days maximum in cats
Chronic osteoarthritis
Dose
0.01–0.03 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
0.15 mg
Duration: Long-term (lowest effective dose, with renal monitoring)
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

🧴

Oral suspension — 1

Strength
1.5mg/mL
Available in India
💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
1mg
Available in India
Strength
2mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
5mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • GI ulceration or bleeding
    NSAIDs worsen GI ulceration
  • Renal or hepatic failure
    NSAIDs reduce renal blood flow; hepatic metabolism required
  • Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
    Dramatically increases GI ulceration and renal toxicity risk
    PrednisoloneDexamethasoneCarprofenFirocoxib

Use with caution

  • Dehydration/hypovolaemia
    Correct fluid status before administering

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Soft stools
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Acute renal failure
Hepatotoxicity
Coagulopathy

Monitoring parameters

Renal function (BUN, Creatinine)Liver enzymesPCV/TSFaecal occult bloodAppetite and 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 →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 9

Carprofen
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition, greatly increased GI ulceration, renal, and hepatic risk
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow minimum 3-5 day washout period when switching.
Firocoxib
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.
Piroxicam
contraindicated
Combined NSAID use dramatically increases GI ulceration, renal injury, and bleeding risk
Management: Never combine two NSAIDs. Allow 5-7 day washout when switching between NSAIDs.
Grapiprant
contraindicated
Both target prostaglandin pathways; concurrent use increases GI ulceration and renal injury risk
Management: Never combine. Allow adequate washout period (3-5 days for meloxicam) before starting grapiprant.
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive COX inhibition causing severe GI ulceration, renal papillary necrosis, and platelet dysfunction.
Management: NEVER use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow minimum 5-7 day washout (longer for aspirin due to irreversible platelet inhibition — 10 days).
Robenacoxib
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: additive prostaglandin inhibition causing GI hemorrhage and renal failure.
Management: Never combine. Allow 3-5 day washout when switching NSAIDs.
Ketorolac
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: synergistic GI ulceration, renal papillary necrosis, and platelet dysfunction.
Management: NEVER combine. 5-7 day washout between NSAIDs.
Mavacoxib
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.
Tolfenamic Acid
contraindicated
Two NSAIDs: synergistic GI and renal toxicity.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 5-7 day washout.

Major — 16

Prednisolone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid dramatically increases risk of GI ulceration and perforation
Management: AVOID concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between drugs. If overlap unavoidable, add GI protectant (omeprazole + sucralfate).
Dexamethasone
major
Corticosteroid + NSAID: dramatically increased risk of GI ulceration and perforation
Management: AVOID concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between drugs.
Methotrexate
major
NSAIDs reduce renal clearance of methotrexate, increasing methotrexate toxicity risk
Management: Avoid NSAIDs during methotrexate therapy. If pain management needed, use opioids.
Toceranib Phosphate
major
Toceranib has anti-VEGF activity causing GI mucosal damage; NSAIDs compound GI ulceration risk
Management: Avoid concurrent NSAIDs. If anti-inflammatory needed, use low-dose prednisolone with GI protectants.
Gentamicin (Systemic)
major
NSAID reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated blood flow + aminoglycoside direct nephrotoxicity: synergistic renal injury.
Management: Avoid combining. If both needed, ensure aggressive IV fluid therapy and monitor renal function q24h.
Cisplatin
major
NSAID reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated blood flow + cisplatin direct nephrotoxicity: synergistic renal injury.
Management: Avoid NSAIDs during cisplatin cycles. If pain management needed, use opioids.
Warfarin
major
NSAIDs inhibit platelet function (COX-1 dependent TXA2) and displace warfarin from protein binding, greatly increasing hemorrhage risk.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If NSAID essential, monitor PT/INR every 2-3 days. Use gastroprotectant. Watch for melena, petechiae.
Amphotericin B
major
NSAID prostaglandin inhibition reduces renal blood flow + amphotericin direct tubular toxicity: synergistic nephrotoxicity.
Management: Avoid NSAIDs during amphotericin therapy. Use opioids for pain management.
Methylprednisolone
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI mucosal injury from prostaglandin inhibition combined with impaired mucosal healing.
Management: Do not combine. Allow washout before transitioning between drug classes.
Acetaminophen
major
Concurrent acetaminophen and NSAID: additive hepatotoxicity risk. Both are hepatically metabolized; NSAID-induced prostaglandin inhibition may reduce hepatic blood flow, concentrating acetaminophen metabolites.
Management: Avoid combining. Use one analgesic class. If combining, use lowest effective doses and monitor hepatic enzymes.
Enoxaparin
major
NSAID platelet dysfunction + LMWH anticoagulation: significantly increased bleeding risk.
Management: Avoid if possible. If both needed, monitor for bleeding (petechiae, melena, hematuria). Use gastroprotectant.
Dalteparin
major
Same mechanism as enoxaparin: NSAID platelet dysfunction compounds LMWH anticoagulation, increasing hemorrhage risk.
Management: Avoid if possible. Monitor for bleeding signs.
Triamcinolone Acetonide
major
Corticosteroid + NSAID: additive GI ulceration. Depot triamcinolone injection effects last weeks — cannot be rapidly reversed if GI complications occur.
Management: Avoid. Do not use NSAID within 2-4 weeks of depot triamcinolone injection. Allow steroid to clear before NSAID.
Bismuth Subsalicylate
major
Salicylate component acts as a second NSAID — additive COX inhibition causing GI ulceration and renal injury.
Management: Do not combine bismuth subsalicylate with any NSAID. The salicylate content is clinically significant.
Fludrocortisone
major
Fludrocortisone has both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid activity. NSAID + corticosteroid: GI ulceration risk.
Management: Avoid concurrent NSAIDs with fludrocortisone. Use non-NSAID analgesic.
Ifosfamide
major
Both are potentially nephrotoxic. NSAID reduces renal prostaglandin-mediated blood flow + ifosfamide has direct tubular toxicity.
Management: Avoid NSAIDs during ifosfamide cycles. Use opioids for pain management.

Moderate — 15

Enalapril
moderate
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow, potentially blunting ACE inhibitor efficacy and increasing nephrotoxicity risk
Management: Monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine) closely. Ensure adequate hydration.
Enrofloxacin
moderate
Fluoroquinolones + NSAIDs may increase risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
Management: Monitor for seizure activity. Use lowest effective doses of both.
Benazepril
moderate
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow, potentially blunting ACE inhibitor efficacy and increasing nephrotoxicity
Management: Monitor renal function closely. Ensure adequate hydration.
Cyclosporine
moderate
Both can be nephrotoxic; combined use increases risk of renal impairment
Management: Monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine) when using together.
Furosemide
moderate
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated renal blood flow and sodium excretion, decreasing diuretic efficacy and increasing nephrotoxicity risk.
Management: Monitor urine output and renal function. May need to increase furosemide dose. Avoid in dehydrated or azotemic patients.
Cyclosporine (Systemic)
moderate
Both cyclosporine and NSAIDs reduce renal blood flow via different mechanisms. Combined use increases nephrotoxicity risk.
Management: Monitor renal function closely. Ensure adequate hydration. Use lowest effective NSAID dose.
Clopidogrel
moderate
Both inhibit platelet function via different mechanisms (clopidogrel: ADP receptor; NSAID: TXA2). Additive bleeding risk.
Management: Use with caution. Monitor for bleeding signs. Combination sometimes used intentionally in thrombotic disease — requires close monitoring.
Lisinopril
moderate
NSAID reduces prostaglandin-mediated renal perfusion, opposing ACE inhibitor renal protection. AKI risk in dehydrated patients.
Management: Monitor BUN/creatinine at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Lowest effective NSAID dose.
Carboplatin
moderate
NSAID prostaglandin inhibition reduces renal blood flow, potentially worsening carboplatin renal effects.
Management: Use cautiously. Ensure adequate hydration. Monitor renal function.
Spironolactone
moderate
NSAIDs reduce renal prostaglandin-mediated potassium excretion, additive to spironolactone's potassium retention. Also reduces diuretic efficacy.
Management: Monitor potassium and renal function. Ensure hydration.
Telmisartan
moderate
NSAID opposes ARB renal protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent renal blood flow. Acute kidney injury risk.
Management: Monitor renal function at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Use lowest effective NSAID dose.
Irbesartan
moderate
NSAID opposes ARB renal protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent afferent arteriolar vasodilation.
Management: Monitor renal function. Ensure hydration.
Desmopressin
moderate
NSAIDs enhance desmopressin's water-retaining effect by inhibiting renal prostaglandin-mediated free water excretion. Risk of severe hyponatremia and water intoxication.
Management: Monitor serum sodium closely if NSAID added to patient on desmopressin. Reduce desmopressin dose or increase monitoring frequency.
Pentoxifylline
moderate
Both inhibit platelet function via different mechanisms. Pentoxifylline (PDE inhibition) + NSAID (COX-1/TXA2 inhibition): additive bleeding risk.
Management: Monitor for bleeding. Usually tolerated but use caution.
Masitinib
moderate
Both can cause GI ulceration independently (masitinib: GI toxicity from c-Kit inhibition; meloxicam: prostaglandin inhibition). Combined GI toxicity risk.
Management: Monitor GI signs closely. Use gastroprotectant (omeprazole). Some oncologists avoid concurrent NSAIDs with TKIs.
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

Metacam
Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Melonex
Intas
Muvera
Zydus
Mel-Vet
Virbac

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Meloxicam?
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) — preferential cox-2 inhibitor used in pets. Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
What is Meloxicam used for in pets?
Meloxicam is used in veterinary medicine for: Osteoarthritis (chronic); Post-operative pain (loading dose); Acute pain (post-operative); Chronic osteoarthritis.
What is the Meloxicam dose for dogs?
For dogs, Meloxicam is typically dosed as follows — Osteoarthritis (chronic): 0.1 mg/kg PO SID; Post-operative pain (loading dose): 0.2 mg/kg SC/PO Once, then 0.1mg/kg SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Meloxicam dose for cats?
For cats, Meloxicam is typically dosed as follows — Acute pain (post-operative): 0.05–0.1 mg/kg SC/PO SID (max 3-5 days); Chronic osteoarthritis: 0.01–0.03 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 Meloxicam?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite, Soft stools. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Acute renal failure, Hepatotoxicity, Coagulopathy.
Does Meloxicam need a prescription?
Yes. Meloxicam is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Meloxicam not be used?
Do not use Meloxicam if: GI ulceration or bleeding; Renal or hepatic failure; Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs.
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

CDSCO approvals (India) — 2

Meloxicam Injection
M/s Intas Pharma · Approved 02.04.2002
Painful inflammatory conditions including arthritis in animals as well as pyrexia.
Paracetamol +Meloxicam Benzyl Alocohol + Lignocaine 5mg /ml+150mg/ml+1%+1% Injec
M/s Pfizer Ltd, Mumbai · Approved 30.09.2008
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

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
Firocoxib
Rx
Selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while sparing COX-1 mediated GI and platelet functions
dog
Ketoprofen
Rx
Inhibits both COX and lipoxygenase pathways, blocking prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; provides 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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