Metacam (Meloxicam) Oral Suspension

Always provide client information sheet with a prescription. Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of Metacam and other treatment options before deciding to use Metacam. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. Metacam Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment. For all treatments after day 1, Metacam Oral Suspension should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg). The syringe is calibrated to deliver the daily maintenance dose in pounds.

Dogs under 10 pounds (4.5 kg)

Shake well before use, then remove the cap. Particular care should be given about the accuracy of dosing. To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth. Carefully measure suspension onto food to assure that the correct dose is given before the presentation of the food to the dog. The syringe provided with the meloxicam concentration of 1.5 mg/mL cannot be used to measure doses for dogs weighing less than 5 lbs (2.3 kg).

For dogs less than 5 lbs (2.3 kg), Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight for the 1.5 mg/mL concentration (two drops for each kilogram of body weight), dropped directly onto the food.

For dogs between 5-10 pounds, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given by drops or by using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale beginning at 5 lbs, designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog's weight should be rounded down to the nearest 5 pound increment. Replace and tighten cap after use.

Dogs over 10 pounds (4.5 kg)

Shake well before use then remove the cap. Metacam Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given about the accuracy of dosing. Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog's weight should be rounded down to the nearest 5-pound increment. Alternatively, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight for the 1.5 mg/mL concentration (two drops for each kilogram of body weight). Replace and tighten cap after use.

Dogs under 10 pounds (4.5 kg)

Shake well before use, then remove the cap. Particular care should be given about the accuracy of dosing. To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth. Carefully measure suspension onto food to assure that the correct dose is given before the presentation of the food to the dog. The syringe provided with the meloxicam concentration of 0.5 mg/mL cannot be used to measure doses for dogs weighing less than 1 lb (0.45 kg).

For dogs less than 1 lb (0.45 kg), Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: two drops for each pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (five drops for each kilogram of body weight), dropped directly onto the food.

For dogs between 1-10 pounds, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given by drops or by using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale beginning at 1 lb, designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog's weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 pound increment. Replace and tighten cap after use.

Dogs over 10 pounds (4.5 kg)

Shake well before use then remove the cap. Metacam Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given about the accuracy of dosing. Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog's weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 pound increment. Alternatively, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: two drops for each pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (five drops for each kilogram of body weight). Replace and tighten cap after use.

Store at controlled room temperature, 68-77°F (20-25°C). Keep away from children and pets. Excursions permitted between 59° and 86°F (15° and 30°C). Brief exposure to temperatures up to 104°F (40°C) may be tolerated provided the mean kinetic temperature does not exceed 77°F (25°C); however, such exposure should be minimized.

Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Metacam Oral Suspension.

Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats.

Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans. For oral use in dogs only.

As with any NSAID all dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before the initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory testing to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data is recommended prior to and periodically during administration. The owner should be advised to observe their dog for signs of potential drug toxicity and be given a client information sheet about Metacam.

Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Metacam and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); muscle cramps, open sores in the mouth, seizures, abdominal cramping. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Metacam and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.