Introduction

Name

• Meloxicam.

Class of drug

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Description

Chemical name

• 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1,1-dioxo-1$l^{6},2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide.

Molecular formula

• C₁₄H₁₃N₃O₄S₂.

Molecular weight

• 351.39

Physical properties

• Pale yellow powder.
• Practically insoluble in water, with higher solubility observed in strong acids and bases.

Storage requirements

• Store at room temperature.

Uses

Indications

• Alleviate mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

Fluoroquinolones

• Increase risk of convulsions (in man).

Anti-hypertensives, eg beta-blockers

• Hypotensive effects may be antagonized.

Diuretics, aminoglycosides

• May increase risk of nephrotoxicity.

Aspirin, corticosteroids, warfarin, other NSAIDs

• Increased risk of bleeding.

Digoxin

• NSAIDs may increase serum levels.

with diagnostic tests

• May cause false low values for T3 and T4.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Publications

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Chinnadurai D K, Messenger K M, Papich M G et al (2014) Meloxicam pharmacokinetics using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling in ferrets after single subcutaneous administration. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 37 (4), 382-387 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Meredith A (2015) Ed. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets. 9th edn. BSAVA, UK. pp 195.
• Plumb D (2015) Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 8th edn. Wiley-Blackwell. pp 1296.
• Quesenberry K E & Carpenter J W (2012) Formulary. In: Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. pp 566-575.
• Tennant Bryn (1999) Small Animal Formulary. 3rd edn. BSAVA, UK.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.