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.
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).
Boehringer Ingelheim
