Metaflam Oral Suspension (Meloxicam)

Metaflam general information

What is Metaflam used for?

Metaflam oral suspension is a medication for dogs to help treat and manage the pain and inflammation that can be caused by osteoarthritis.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints and can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the knees, elbows, hips and backbone and restrict your dog’s activity.  Metaflam oral suspension can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility and general demeanour.  Metaflam oral suspension can also be used to help control pain and inflammation due to other of acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders and following orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery in dogs.  Metaflam oral suspension should not be used for cats or humans as it can be harmful.

How does Metaflam work?

Metaflam oral suspension contains meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug belonging to the oxicam class of drugs that has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (reduces fever) and analgesic properties.  Meloxicam in Metaflam oral suspension inhibits cyclooxygenase (particularly COX2) the enzyme involved in production of chemicals called prostaglandins that are mediators of inflammation.  By inhibiting prostaglandin production, meloxicam in Metaflam oral suspension reduces inflammation and relieves the pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis.  Inflammation often accompanies surgery and meloxicam in Melonex oral suspension helps reduce post-surgical pain and inflammation in dogs.

What does Metaflam contain?

Metaflam oral suspension contains the active ingredient meloxicam (1.5mg/mL), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.  

Treating osteoarthritis in dogs with Metaflam

Metaflam oral suspension contains meloxicam, which is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age, and normal wear and tear of the joints can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the knees, elbows, hips and backbone, and restrict your dog’s activity.  Meloxicam in Metaflam oral suspension inhibits the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, by specifically inhibiting cyclooxygenase (particularly COX2) the enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins that are mediators of inflammation.  This action of Meloxicam in Metaflam oral suspension helps relieve the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improves your dog’s mobility and general demeanour. 

What are the side effects of Metaflam?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Metaflam oral suspension in dogs include: gastrointestinal problems; vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.  It can also cause lethargy, and kidney and liver problems, also stomach ulcers are possible. 

When should Metaflam not be used?

You should not give Metaflam to your dog if your dog:

• is allergic to meloxicam or any other ingredients in Metaflam
• is younger than 6 months
• is pregnant or lactating
• has liver, kidney or heart problems
• has a bleeding disorder
• has been given other NSAID medication, corticosteroids, some heart drugs (ACE inhibitors), diuretics and some drugs for seizure control

How should Metaflam be given to your dog?

You should give your dog Metaflam oral suspension once a day either mixed into your dog’s food or directly into the mouth (for larger dogs only).  You should follow the instructions provided when administering Metaflam oral suspension to your dog.  The first dose should be 0.2 mg/kg body weight (1mg/lb) on the first day of treatment, you can then reduce the dose to 0.1 mg/kg (0.05mg/lb), using the measuring syringe provided to dispense the correct number of drops.  Use the dropper bottle provided to deliver 4 drops/kg body weight on the first day and then 2 drops/kg body weight as a maintenance dose.

• For dogs greater than 4.5 kg (10lbs) it is easiest to use the dosing syringe, for smaller dogs (under 4.5kg or 10lbs), you can use the calibrated dosing syringe or a spoon. 
• For dogs under 2.3 kg (5lbs), apply as drops from the bottle into your dog’s food, using the dropper bottle: one drop for each pound of body weight or two drops for each kilogram of body weight. 

Metaflam oral suspension is for use only for dogs.  Ensure that you wash your hands after administering a dose to your dog, to prevent ingesting any Metaflam oral suspension.

How long should you take Metaflam?

Metaflam oral suspension has an unlimited duration of use and can be given to your dog long-term for as long as there are symptoms of osteoarthritis, to keep your dog pain-free and mobile.

Missed dose of Metaflam

If you forget to give a dose of Metaflam oral suspension to your dog, administer it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give your dog a double dose.

How should Metaflam be stored?

You should store your Metaflam below 25°C in a cool dry place.