Metaflam (Meloxicam 2.5mg) Chewable Tablets

Metaflam general information

What is Metaflam used for?

Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg are 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, and restrict your dog’s activity.  Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility and general demeanour.  Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg 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 Chewable Tablets 2.5mg should not be used for cats or humans as it can be harmful.

How does Metaflam work?

Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg contain 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 Chewable Tablets 2.5mg inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) the enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins.  There are two COX enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2.  Meloxicam in Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg is a selective inhibitor of COX-2 that produces prostaglandins that are mediators of inflammation.  By inhibiting production of inflammatory prostaglandins, meloxicam in Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg reduces inflammation and relieves the pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis.  Inflammation often accompanies surgery and meloxicam in Melonex Chewable Tablets 2.5mg helps reduce post-surgical pain and inflammation in dogs.  

What does Metaflam contain?

Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg contains the active ingredient meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.  

Treating osteoarthritis with Metaflam

Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg 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, and restrict your dog’s activity.  Meloxicam in Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg inhibits the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, by specifically inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-2 the enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins that are mediators of inflammation.  This action of Meloxicam in Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg 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 Chewable Tablets 2.5mg 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 Chewable Tablets 2.5mg to your dog if your dog:

• is allergic to meloxicam or any ingredients in Metaflam
• is less than 6 weeks old or less than 4kg body weight
• is pregnant or lactating
• has kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or heart problems
• is dehydrated
• has a bleeding disorder
• has been given other NSAID medication, corticosteroids, some heart drugs (ACE inhibitors), diuretics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, anti-coagulants and some drugs for seizure control

How should Metaflam be taken?

You should give your dog Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg once a day with or without food.  You should follow the instructions provided when administering Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg to your dog.  The first dose should be 0.2 mg/kg body weight (0.1mg/lb) on the first day of treatment, you can then reduce the dose to 0.1 mg/kg (0.05mg/lb).  Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg can be halved to give the accurate dose to your dog according to body weight.  You should see an improvement in your dog’s condition within a few days and you should continue to give your dog Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which may be long term, as Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg will help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in your dog but will not cure your dog’s condition. 

Dose:

For the maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg (0.05mg/lb), give the following tablets to your dog:

• 20.1-25mg/kg (9-11mg/lb)                1 tablet
• 25.1-35mg/kg (11.3-15.8)                 1.5 tablets
• 35.1-50 (15.9-22.6)                          2 tablets

How long should you take Metaflam?

You should continue to give your dog Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg for as long as recommended by your veterinarian, which may be long term, as Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg will help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in your dog but will not cure your dog’s condition. 

Missed dose of Metaflam

If you miss a dose of Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Metaflam be stored?

You should store your Metaflam Chewable Tablets 2.5mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.