Meloxicam for dogs: instructions for use with dosage and instructions

Description of the drug Loxicom

Loxicom oral suspension is a non-steroidal drug used in veterinary medicine to relieve inflammation and relieve pain. The international nonproprietary name of the drug is meloxicam. The Loxicom formula was developed by an English pharmaceutical company (Norbrook Laboratories Limited).

The manufacturer positions itself as a world leader in the development and production of innovative products

was established in 1968 in the UK, and now this organization has branches in 30 countries. And veterinary drugs developed by this company are used by animal owners in 120 countries. In order to constantly confirm its right to the title of world leader, Nordbrook Laboratories carries out large-scale work in the field of scientific research, and its production equipment is always the most modern. The company is interested in buyers all over the world, so it produces the developed drugs itself, but on orders from different countries. Thus, Global-Vet LLC supplies Loxicom from the UK to Russia.

Release form of the drug

The dosage form of Loxicom for cats is an oral suspension. Externally, it is a cloudy liquid of light yellow color (uniform suspension). Sometimes the suspension breaks up into a clear solution and a cloudy precipitate, but this can be easily corrected by shaking. The suspension is packaged in transparent plastic bottles with screw caps (5 ml or 15 ml). Each bottle is packed in a cardboard box along with instructions for use and a dispenser syringe.

Recommendations for use are indicated on the end of the box, and the name and volume of the drug, as well as information about the manufacturer, are on the front of the package. The image on the box is made in blue and beige colors. Often on the box there is an image in the form of a gray cat (its absence does not indicate falsification). In addition, the box, bottle and instructions contain information about the release date and expiration date.

Each unit of suspension comes with a convenient syringe with a “mass scale”

Composition of the drug

The composition of 1 ml of Loxicom suspension includes the following components:

• meloxicam - 0.5 mg/ml (active ingredient);
• sodium benzoate (preservative E211);
• glycerol (glycerol derivative);
• povidone K30 (binder for the active substance);
• xanthan gum (provides the release of the active substance into the bloodstream);
• disodium phosphate dihydrate (food additive E339);
• sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (emulsifier, pH regulator);
• citric acid (food additive E330);
• simethicone emulsion and purified water.

Storage conditions for Loxicom

It is recommended to store the suspension under the following conditions:

• in sealed manufacturer's packaging;
• separately from food and feed;
• in a dry place, protected from light;
• at temperatures from 0°C to 25°C ;
• in places inaccessible to children.

Pay attention to shelf life. The suspension in closed packaging is stored for 2 years, and after the first opening - no more than six months. After the specified period, Loxicom cannot be used; the drug must be disposed of with household waste. The container of the drug cannot be used for domestic purposes.

Loxicom is best stored together with other veterinary drugs in the medicine cabinet.

Indications for use

Loxicom is used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic agent for the following pathologies:

• pain syndromes of various etymologies;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• inflammatory processes in soft tissues.

In addition, the suspension is often used during the period of postoperative adaptation.

How does Loxicom suspension work?

The main medicinal property of the suspension is due to the presence of meloxicam in the composition. This substance blocks the production of cycloxygenase, which contributes to the development of inflammatory processes (swelling, pain, etc.).
Meloxicam is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood; the highest therapeutic concentration of the substance in the blood is achieved after 4.5–6.5 hours. After a day, meloxicam is eliminated from the body.

Owner reviews

Oksana, owner of the chow-chow:

“When our old chow was diagnosed with coxitis, we took Loksik for pain relief. The dog tolerated the medication well. There were no side effects. Used on the recommendation of a doctor only after meals and in a strictly prescribed dose. There are only positive emotions left."

Victoria, shepherd owner:

“We were prescribed this for an exacerbation of arthrosis. Unlike Rimadyl, which we took earlier, it did not cause any side effects. They drank the suspension for five days. A good pain reliever. High price, but worth it."

Mikhail, greyhound owner:

“We gave our beauty Loxicom after the operation. The drug helped prevent the occurrence of complications in the form of an inflammatory process. The dog tolerated the medicine well, but the doctor regularly monitored blood tests.”

Features of application

Loxicom is given orally to cats. To do this, you can use a syringe or mix the suspension with a small amount of wet food. The manufacturer recommends using the medicine during feeding.

Important: the bottle of suspension must be shaken vigorously before use.

To ensure that the cat swallows the medicine, it must be poured not into the middle of the tongue, but from the side (close to the cheek and throat).

Table: dosage selection

Loxicom treatment regimen

Cats should be given the suspension once a day. The course of treatment is determined by a veterinarian. If after 10 days of using the medicine the cat’s condition has not improved, then stop using the drug. If one dose is missed, the course of treatment can be resumed (there is no need to double the dosage).

Despite the fact that the packaging and instructions for using the suspension are presented in Russian, it is still produced in the UK. In this regard, you need to pay special attention to the recommendations. Some cat owners sometimes suspect typos (for example, in the dosage section). Therefore, before using the suspension, consult a specialist (the veterinarian can adjust the treatment regimen you have drawn up).

Loxicom suspension is recommended for use in cats only after consultation with a veterinarian.

Why is Meloxicam prescribed?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It has virtually no side effects and is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Many scientific veterinarians have debated for many years whether meloxicam can be given to cats. And we came to the conclusion that it is possible. Today it is prescribed by veterinarians in many countries. There is practically no information about side effects after using the drug. It is very well tolerated by cats.

In veterinary medicine, there are a number of diseases for which Meloxicam is prescribed.:

• Neoplasia;
• Injuries of various kinds;
• Gingivitis and stomatitis;
• Cystitis, uevitis and dermatological diseases;
• Postoperative and long-healing wounds, purulent skin lesions;
• An anesthetic drug is prescribed for diabetic neuropathy;
• Joint dysplasia.

Meloxicam is the first and only pain reliever that can be used both for a short time and for a longer period.

During clinical studies of animal treatment with Meloxicam, some side effects were observed. They were apparently more pronounced in dogs than in cats. These are gagging and vomiting, diarrhea. In the event that the drug was used for a short time. If the medication was given for a very long time, side effects occurred more often in cats. But, after stopping the drug, it stopped immediately.

To treat chronic pain, give your cat Meloxicam in the following amounts::

• The average daily dose of the substance, which can be used daily for three hundred and eleven days, is 0.05 mg per 1 kg of weight, 1 time per day. This amount of the drug is most effective and absolutely safe.
• For a single use to instantly relieve pain and relieve inflammation as much as possible, large dosages will be required. For 1 kg of animal weight you need to use 0.034 mg.

Contraindications and possible side effects

The following pathologies are contraindications to the use of Loxicom:

• allergy to meloxicam;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• liver failure and kidney disease;
• hemorrhagic syndrome.

A possible side effect from using the drug may be an allergic reaction to meloxicam. Allergies can be identified by symptoms:

• nausea, vomiting;
• redness on the skin;
• itching, etc.

In such cases, the use of the suspension should be stopped immediately, and it is recommended to show the cat to a veterinarian. In case of severe allergies, the animal will be prescribed antihistamines and symptomatic medications.

Side effects after using Loxicom can be caused by the active substance - meloxicam

What to do in case of overdose

Loxicom is a strong drug, so exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to serious consequences. Signs of overdose:

• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• loss of appetite (up to complete refusal to eat);
• weakness, lethargy, apathy;
• bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers (blood in the stool).

There are no special drugs to eliminate signs of overdose. If these symptoms appear, the cat owner should immediately stop using the suspension. The cat is prescribed symptomatic medications (in some cases, maintenance therapy is needed, for example, drips with saline or glucose).

When should painkillers be given?

It is recommended to give painkillers at home only after determining the exact cause of the pain syndrome. This will be done by a veterinarian who will examine the animal and prescribe all the necessary tests. On their basis, the drug, the optimal dosage and duration of therapy are selected.

In some cases, the dog owner does not have the opportunity to urgently take the pet to a veterinary clinic. In such situations, before easing the dog’s suffering, it is necessary to carefully examine it and objectively assess the pet’s condition.

Basic inspection rules:

1. Injury or fracture of a limb - a person must carefully fix the paw with a bandage or splint, give the dog an antispasmodic and take it to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.
2. Severe bleeding - first aid should be provided, stop the bleeding, give an anesthetic and call a doctor.
3. Cuts, wounds, bites of other animals - the damage should be washed with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate or other antiseptic, and then given medicine.

Dog owners should remember that pets are very sensitive to their mood, so when providing first aid, there is no need to cry or panic. This can have a negative effect on the animal's nervous system and increase spasms.

Personal safety measures when in contact with the drug

The manufacturer recommends adhering to the following rules:

• direct contact with the medicine is prohibited for people allergic to antibiotics;
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with Loxicom;
• if the suspension gets on the skin or mucous membranes, it should be washed off with running water;
• After handling the medicine, hands should be washed with soap;
• If you have an allergy, you need to go to the hospital (take the bottle or instructions with you).

Contact with Loxicom is contraindicated for people who are allergic to antibiotics.

Drug analogues

The closest analogues of Loxicom are drugs containing meloxicam:

• Meloxivetum;
• Meloxidil;
• Metacam, etc.

Photo gallery: Loxicom analogues

Meloksivet is produced in different countries, but the developer is Belkarolin LLC (Belarus)

The developer of Meloxidil is the French organization Ceva Sante Animale

Metakam formula developed (Germany)

Comparison table: Meloxivet, Meloxidil and Metacam