PRESCRIPTION ANIMAL REMEDY
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY
Metacam®
Anti-inflammatory oral suspension for dogs |
Boehringer Ingelheim |
Composition
Each mL contains 1.5 mg meloxicam; one drop contains 0.1 mg meloxicam.
Action
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti- inflammatory compound of the oxicam group which
acts by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
Meloxicam exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, analgesic and antipyretic effects.
It inhibits leukocyte infiltration into the inflamed tissue and prevents bone and
cartilage destruction. To a minor extent it also inhibits collagen- induced thrombocyte
aggregation.
Indications
Metacam oral suspension is a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for use in
dogs. It is indicated for the alleviation of inflammation and pain in both acute and
chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as disco-spondylosis, arthropathy and soft tissue
injuries.
Directions for use
Do not administer to pregnant or lactating bitches in the last third of pregnancy.
Shake bottle hard. Unscrew bottle top and attach the dosing syringe to the bottle by
gently pushing the end onto the top of the bottle. Do not force the syringe onto the
bottle as this makes it difficult to remove. |
Turn the bottle/ syringe upside down. Pull the plunger out until the black line on the
plunger corresponds to your dog's bodyweight in kilograms. |
Turn the bottle right way up and with a twisting movement gently separate the dosing
syringe from the bottle. |
By pushing the plunger in gently empty the contents of the syringe onto the food. |
As for all NSAIDs use in any animal less than 6 weeks of age or in debilitated aged
animals may involve additional risk. If use in such animals cannot be avoided careful
clinical management may be required.
Shake well before use.
Should be administered mixed with food.
On the first day of treatment a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight should be given.
Treatment is to be continued once daily by oral administration (at 24 hour intervals) at
a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight.
Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. The suspension
can be given using either the drop dispenser (for very small breeds which provides
0.05 mg meloxicam per drop (Note: drop size changed mid-2004)
or the measuring syringe provided in the package. The syringe fits on
to the bottle and has a kg-bodyweight scale designed for the maintenance dose (ie. 0.1
mg/kg bodyweight). Thus twice the volume should be administered on the first day as the
initial dose.
Initial dose
0.2 mg/kg bodyweight: |
4 drops/kg
1 mL/7.5 kg |
Maintenance dose
0.1 mg/kg bodyweight | 2 drops/kg
1 mL/15 kg |
If no improvement is noticeable after 10 days of treatment, please consult a
veterinary surgeon.
The use of the product is contra-indicated in animals suffering from cardiac, hepatic
or clinical renal disease. This is also the case where there is the possibility of
gastro-intestinal ulceration or bleeding, or where there is evidence of a haemorrhagic
disorder or individual hypersensitivity to the product.
Metacam oral suspension should not be administered concurrently with steroidal or
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics or anti-coagulant
agents.
Pre-treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs may result in additional or increased
adverse effects and accordingly a treatment-free period with such drugs should be
observed for at least 24 hours before commencement with Metacam oral suspension. The
treatment-free period, however, should take into account the pharmacokinetic properties
of the drugs used previously.
Typical adverse reactions of NSAIDs may occur (particularly within the first 5 - 14
days of treatment). These may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, faecal
occult blood and apathy.
Gastro-intestinal side effects are in most cases transient and disappear following
termination of treatment but in rare cases may be serious. If gastro-intestinal side
effects are persistent, or of severity, treatment should be discontinued.
In case of overdosing asymptomatic treatment should be initiated.
First Aid
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre.
Phone Australia 131126.
If swallowed, and if more than 15 minutes from a hospital, induce vomiting preferably
using Ipecac Syrup APF.
Disposal
Dispose of empty container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage.
Storage
Store below 25°C (Air Conditioning).
Discard 6 months after initial use when stored below 25°C (Air Conditioning).
Presentation
Plastic squeeze dropper bottle containing either 10 mL, 32 mL or 100 mL.
A measuring syringe is also provided in the pack.
Distributed by
Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited
Vetmedica Division
85 Waterloo Road
NORTH RYDE, N.S.W. 2113
NRA 49655/0599