Metacam Oral Suspension (Meloxicam) - 1.5 mg/ml, -32 ml Bottle

Metacam Oral Suspension (meloxicam) is a once-a-day dosing for 24 hour relief from pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

Dosage and Administration: Always provide client information sheet with 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.

Directions for Administration:

Metacam 0.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension (equivalent to 0.02 mg per drop) 
Metacam 1.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension (equivalent to 0.05 mg per drop)

Dogs under 10 pounds (4.5 kg)

Shake well before use, then remove cap. Particular care should be given with regard to 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 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), and 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).

Metacam 0.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension

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.

Metacam 1.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension

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 cap. Metacam Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given with regard to 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 for Metacam 0.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension, or the nearest 5 pound increment for Metacam 1.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension. 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), or 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.

1. Shake bottle well. Push down and unscrew bottle top. Attach the dosing syringe to the bottle by gently pushing the end onto the top of the bottle.

2. Turn the bottle/syringe upside down. Pull the plunger out until the black line on the plunger corresponds to the dog's body weight in pounds.

3. Turn the bottle right way up and with a twisting movement separate the dosing syringe from the bottle.

4. Push the plunger to empty the contents of the syringe.

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian

Contraindications: Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive Metacam Oral Suspension. Do not use in cats.

Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. For oral use in dogs only.

Precautions: The safe use of Metacam Oral Suspension in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Meloxicam is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders, as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders.

Information For Dog Owners: Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, is not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with NSAID intolerance. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite and behavioral changes. Dog owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if possible adverse reactions are observed, and dog owners should be advised to discontinue Metacam therapy.

Palatability: Dogs love the sweet honey flavor. Metacam Oral Suspension was accepted by 100% of the dogs when veterinarians administered the initial dose into the mouth. Metacam Oral Suspension was accepted by 90% of the dogs (123/136) when administered by owners. Problems associated with administration included refusal of food, resistance to swallowing and salivation.

How Supplied:

Metacam Oral Suspension 0.5 mg/mL: 15 mL and 30 mL dropper bottle with measuring syringe

Metacam Oral Suspension 1.5 mg/mL: 10, 32 and 100 mL dropper bottles with measuring syringe

Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 59-86°F (15-30°C).