Metacam Oral Suspension

The Metacam Oral Suspension for dogs can be given mixed with food, however, you can also give the medication directly without mixing it with food. Metacam for dogs is used to give them relief from pain and inflammation. The Metacam medication is for dogs of at least 6 months of age. That means these dogs are old enough to receive the Metacam dosing directly, without having it mixed with their food. Mixing it with food is also an option. The honey-flavored version of the medication is ideal for mixing with food. Due to the honey flavors in this Metacam, dogs do not feel bothered ingesting the medication, as it does not spoil the taste of their food. A direct Metacam dose for dogs can be administered through a syringe or plunger. In that case, you have to give them the dose directly before or after eating. Refer to the Metacam dosage chart for understanding the amount of medication your dog might need. Usually, a 10-pound dog will require 1 mg of Metacam Oral for dogs, while a 20-pound dog will need 2 mg. With every 10 pounds increase in weight, you can increase the Metacam dosage for dogs by 1 mg.

A bottle of Metacam lasts 30 to 60 days for a small-sized dog (around 10 pounds), and 10 to 30 days for a comparatively larger one (25 pounds). The Metacam’s effects can last as long as an entire day. During this period, the drug will take full effect and give your dog relief from the pain.

Metacam consists of Meloxicam, which is not a narcotic. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat inflammation and body pain.

No, Metacam does not make your dog sleepy. Some of the known Metacam for Dogs side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, and lack of appetite.

You can give oral Metacam either by mixing it with the dog food or by administering it directly. For mixing with food, the honey-flavored Metacam is the best option. Infused with a natural honey flavor, this version of the medication will not ruin the taste of the dog food. If anything, it will only enhance it. You can also give the Metacam dose directly using a plunger or syringe. For that, you have to give them the medication right before or after they have their food. Give 1 mg Metacam for a 10-pound dog, 2 mg for 20 pounds, 4 mg for 40 pounds, 7 mg for 70 pounds, and so on. Keep increasing the dosage amount based on the dog’s body weight.

Yes, you need a prescription for Metacam. There is no way you can purchase the medication over the counter. Anyone willing to sell you the drug without a prescription is doing so illegally. A Metacam for Dogs dose needs to be administered as per the instructions of the vet. Otherwise, you are likely to encounter potential side effects of Metacam. Hence, you should follow the vet’s instructions while using this drug, and should also maintain the necessary precautions.

You can use any other NSAID – Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug – as an alternative for Metacam. Drugs with the active ingredient of Metacam, Meloxicam, can also be used. In either case, you must have clearance from your vet to use such alternatives. Avoid using them without getting prior approval.

Gastrointestinal disturbance, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite, is Metacam's most typical side effect. Particularly in cats, prolonged usage of Metacam raises the risk of renal and liver damage. Signs of rare but possible allergic responses may include swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties.

The drug is typically given once daily, either straight into the pet's mouth or mixed with their food, and should always be taken with a meal to help lessen the chance of gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Yes, but it depends on the particular drug. Corticosteroids, anticoagulants, diuretics, and other NSAIDs are a few drugs that could interact with Metacam. Combining Metacam with these drugs can raise the risk of bleeding disorders, kidney or liver damage, and gastrointestinal adverse effects. If Metacam should be administered with any other medications your dog is currently on, your veterinarian will make the required dosage adjustments.

Meloxicam liquid for dogs is not approved for use in puppies and kittens under 6 months of age. This is because young animals' liver and kidney functions have not completely matured, which might raise the likelihood of adverse consequences such as liver and kidney damage.

Meloxicam, the active ingredient in Metacam Oral Suspension, should not be administered to canines or felines that are currently pregnant. This is due to the possibility that NSAIDs like meloxicam, which might prolong gestation, postpone parturition, or reduce uterine contractions, could result in difficulties during labor and delivery.

Metacam dosage for dogs should not be missed, but if it is missed, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dosage is almost due, skip the missed one and return to your usual dosing schedule. Don’t give your pet two doses of Metacam to compensate for a missing one.

Yes, but it must be regulated by a vet. Metacam for dogs is mainly removed from the body through the kidneys, and if the dog’s kidneys aren't working correctly, the drug may not be removed from the body as efficiently, which could result in toxicity.

Metacam oral for dogs is FDA-approved, but the dosage and administration may vary based on the dog's size, age, and health status. The oral suspension form of Metacam is generally prescribed for small dogs, as it allows for more precise dosing.

Yes, Metacam (meloxicam) can effectively treat arthritis in cats. Arthritis is a common condition in older cats and can cause excruciating pain and discomfort. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID), Metacam is a good alternative for treating arthritis in cats since it works by lowering inflammation and reducing discomfort. However, it's vital to be aware that using Metacam in cats has been linked to potential negative effects, especially when used in large dosages or for extended periods.

Compared to some other pain medications, such as opioids like morphine or fentanyl, Metacam is generally considered to be safer and less likely to cause sedation or respiratory depression. This makes it a preferred choice for managing chronic pain in pets.

Yes, Metacam (meloxicam) can be used for chronic pain in pets, including conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and other types of chronic pain.

The frequency of veterinary visits for arthritis management depends on the severity of the pet's condition and the treatment plan recommended by the veterinarian. Generally, pets with arthritis should undergo constant check-ups every 3-6 months or more frequently if the condition is severe.

Yes, pain in pets can sometimes be managed without medication, particularly in cases of mild or occasional pain. Physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and cold or heat therapy are a few alternative treatments for pain management in pets. Changes to the pet's diet or exercise regimen may also be advised to treat specific forms of discomfort, such as joint pain caused by arthritis.

Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan and may suggest that your dog try METACAM® oral suspension for an initial period to ensure good clinical response and no side effects. Your veterinarian may ask you to report back or return with your dog for a follow-up evaluation to determine if treatment should continue. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an incurable chronic, progressive disease, that will require management for the remainder of your dog’s life. Pain and inflammation control is a big part of that management, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like METACAM oral suspension, have a trusted track record of being safe and effective at controlling joint pain and inflammation associated with OA.1 You can feel comfortable giving METACAM oral suspension knowing that it has been safely used to treat dogs with OA around the US for over 15 years. References: 1. Sanderson RO, Beata C, Flipo RM, et al. Systematic review of the management of canine osteoarthritis. Vet Rec. 2009;164(14):418-424.

METACAM® oral suspension targets and relieves both the pain and inflammation caused by OA. Relief from arthritis pain can help restore mobility, allowing your dog to return to many of the activities that you both previously enjoyed. Best of all, it can be given once daily, which provides a full 24 hours of relief. Please note that METACAM NSAID needs to be given consistently, every day to ensure it works and your dog gets the full benefit.

Aspirin is a drug that is not approved for use in animals. Aspirin should not be given concurrently with METACAM® oral suspension therapy. Also, METACAM oral suspension should not be given with other anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone, Rimadyl® (carprofen), ibuprofen, PREVICOX® (firocoxib) or Deramaxx® (deracoxib). Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications your dog is taking before beginning treatment with METACAM anti-inflammatory.

METACAM® (meloxicam oral suspension) therapy is one of a number of things that may help relieve your dog’s osteoarthritis pain. Your veterinarian may suggest a weight loss program or exercise regimen. Talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any weight loss or exercise plan. You can also help to make your dog as comfortable as possible by providing a soft place to sleep and keeping him or her warm. Performing massage and physical therapy on your dog as directed by your veterinarian can relieve joint stiffness and increase range of motion. In addition, raising food and water bowls to avoid neck strain, installing ramps to avoid your dog having to use stairs, putting non-skid runners on slippery surfaces, and other such supportive measures can help make daily activities less painful.

Just as many children's medicines come in liquid rather than pill form, liquid METACAM® oral suspension is designed to make it easier to administer the right dose to dogs. METACAM anti-inflammatory is made in a smooth liquid form so that dog owners can dispense it easily from the syringe. Because it's liquid, it is easy to adjust the dose in small increments using the precise measured syringe. It is easily applied to the dog's food or given directly into the dog's mouth, has a sweet honey-flavored taste, and dogs love it. METACAM, the first NSAID available as an oral suspension, offers a highly convenient treatment option to dog owners and allows for accurate dosing for any size dog—something that chewable tablets cannot always achieve.

Because of METACAM® oral suspension’s liquid formulation, you can give the lowest effective dose to dogs of all sizes. For dogs less than 2 pounds, you will need to use a dropper instead of the syringe and apply the product directly to the dog’s food.

METACAM® NSAID is safe for most dogs when used as directed. You should only use METACAM oral suspension for dogs under the direction of a veterinarian and give precisely the dose prescribed. While METACAM oral suspension has been approved for safety and efficacy, there is a risk of side effects or adverse reactions in some canines. Consult with your veterinarian to determine whether METACAM anti-inflammatory is the best choice for your dog.

The most common side effects are vomiting and soft stool or diarrhea. These are usually mild and affect primarily the gastrointestinal system, but more serious side effects can occur. Therefore, NSAIDs should only be administered under the direction of a licensed professional. If you notice side effects in your dog during treatment, stop the drug and call your veterinarian. Please refer to the full prescribing information for more information. The safe use of METACAM® (meloxicam oral suspension) in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. With your veterinarian, carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of METACAM oral suspension and other treatment options before deciding to use METACAM oral suspension. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response.

METACAM® oral suspension is not an antibiotic. METACAM® oral suspension, also known as meloxicam, is a long-acting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved to control pain and inflammation associated with OA.

The effects of METACAM® oral suspension can last for up to 24 hours. METACAM anti-inflammatory is made to be given once a day, making it a good solution for dogs with persistent or chronic pain and those who need long-lasting pain relief associated with OA. METACAM oral suspension reduces symptoms and alleviates inflammation associated with OA, but it does not cure OA. It is important to note that symptoms of OA may return or get worse if you stop using METACAM anti-inflammatory.

METACAM® oral suspension takes 1 to 2 hours to start working, with sustained effects that last for up to a day. For dogs with chronic OA pain and inflammation, it may take 3 to 4 days to notice signs of improvement. Your veterinarian can give you guidance on what to expect when giving your dog METACAM NSAID.

METACAM® oral suspension does not usually make dogs sleepy. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog seems sleepy or lethargic after taking METACAM anti-inflammatory. Sleepiness may be an unusual side effect, the result of a drug interaction, or a sign of another issue that needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian.

For any specific product questions, please call Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health toll-free customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.