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Tepoxalin

Prescription
Dual COX/LOX inhibitor (NSAID)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits both cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, providing broader anti-inflammatory coverage than COX-only NSAIDs by also blocking leukotriene synthesis

At a glance

Class
Dual COX/LOX inhibitor (NSAID)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture; keep in foil blister until use

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID (loading dose day 1: 20 mg/kg, then 10 mg/kg)
Max dose
400 mg
Duration: Long-term; rapidly-disintegrating tablet on tongue
🐈

Cat

Not recommended
Dose
0 mg/kg
Route
Frequency
N/A
Max dose
0 mg
Duration: Not approved or recommended for cats
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

💊

Rapidly-disintegrating tablet — 3

Strength
50mg
Strength
100mg
Strength
200mg

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture; keep in foil blister until use

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Cats
    Not safe for cats
  • GI ulceration or bleeding
  • Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
    PrednisoloneMeloxicam

Use with caution

  • Renal or hepatic disease

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Anorexia
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Hepatotoxicity
Renal injury

Monitoring parameters

Renal valuesHepatic enzymesGI signsCBC
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

No documented interactions.

Brands

International

Zubrin
Elanco

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Tepoxalin?
Tepoxalin is a dual cox/lox inhibitor (nsaid) used in pets. Inhibits both cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, providing broader anti-inflammatory coverage than COX-only NSAIDs by also blocking leukotriene synthesis
What is Tepoxalin used for in pets?
Tepoxalin is used in veterinary medicine for: Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation; Not recommended.
What is the Tepoxalin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tepoxalin is typically dosed as follows — Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation: 10–20 mg/kg PO SID (loading dose day 1: 20 mg/kg, then 10 mg/kg). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Tepoxalin dose for cats?
For cats, Tepoxalin is typically dosed as follows — Not recommended: 0 mg/kg N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Tepoxalin?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Hepatotoxicity, Renal injury.
Does Tepoxalin need a prescription?
Yes. Tepoxalin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Tepoxalin not be used?
Do not use Tepoxalin if: Cats; GI ulceration or bleeding; 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

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
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