Veterinary Meloxicam Medication Guide

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in both human and veterinary medicine, but the approved veterinary products, species and dosage forms are not interchangeable with human meloxicam products.

Veterinary Meloxicam in the United States

FDA currently lists marketed meloxicam NSAID products for dogs in oral and injectable forms. For cats, FDA-approved meloxicam use is limited to a one-time injection associated with surgery; oral meloxicam products are not FDA-approved for cats.

Dogs vs Cats

The species distinction is critical. FDA specifically warns that repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death and requires a boxed warning on meloxicam labels. A dog oral product should therefore not be treated as a cat product simply because the active ingredient is the same.

Product Forms and Brand/Generic Context

FDA identifies Metacam and multiple generic meloxicam products in the veterinary market. Dog products include oral and injectable forms; cat approval is limited to the injectable context described by FDA. Exact concentration, package and label should be checked before any availability question.

Prescription Status

FDA states that currently marketed NSAIDs approved for dogs and cats are available by veterinary prescription only. An online listing that offers a veterinary meloxicam product without a veterinarian’s prescription should not be treated as proof of an approved U.S. product.

Human vs Veterinary Formulations

Human meloxicam and veterinary meloxicam share an active ingredient but have different labels, concentrations, dosage forms and approved uses. This page does not provide an animal dose or recommend substituting a human formulation for a veterinary prescription.

Availability and Product Identification

Before asking a pharmacy about a veterinary meloxicam prescription, provide the animal species, exact product name, dosage form, concentration or strength, manufacturer if known and prescription information. Availability can vary by veterinary product and supplier.

For the wider medication-reference structure, see Medication Information.

Reviewed by: Dr. Nancy Ann Curosh