Meloxicam Cat Oral Suspension

Action:

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 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 tissue and prevents bone and cartilage destruction. To a minor extent if also inhibits collagen-induced thrombocyteaggregation.

Indications:

Alleviation of inflammation and pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as discospondylosis, arthropathy and soft tissue injuries.

Direction for Use:

Restraints:

NOT TO BE USED in food producing animals.

Contraindications:

The use of this product is contraindicated in animals suffering from cardiac, hepatic or clinical renal disease. Especially older cats considered for chronic treatment should be screened for pre-existing renal, hepatic or gastrointestinal disorders or hypovolaemia (using haematology, serum biochemical analysis and urinalysis as necessary), before administration of Ilium Meloxicam 0.5 Anti-inflammatory Oral Suspension for Cats. Contraindicated for use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animal as there is the potential risk of renal toxicity.

Contraindicated for use in animals 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.

Precautions:

As for all NSAIDs, use in any animal less than 6 weeks of age or in debilitated aged animals involve additional risk. If use in such animals cannot be avoided careful clinical management may be required. Safe use in pregnant or lactating animals has not been established.

Ilium Meloxicam 0.5 Anti-inflammatory Oral Suspension for Cats should not be administered concurrently with steroidal or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aminoglycoside antibiotics or anti-coagulant agents. Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

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 Ilium Meloxicam 0.5 Anti-inflammatory Oral Suspension for Cats. The treatment-free period, however, should take into account the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs used previously. A clinical response is normally seen within 7 days. Where treatment is continued for more than 7 days, cats should be closely monitored for adverse effects. Treatmentshould be discontinued after 14 days at the latest if no clinical improvement is apparent. Response to a long-term therapy should be monitored at three monthly intervals or more frequently as advised by a veterinarian. Ilium Meloxicam 0.5 Anti-inflammatory Oral Suspension for Cats should not be used following parental injection of Meloxicam or any other NSAID as appropriate dosage regimens for such follow-up treatments have not been established.

Side Effects:

Typical adverse reactions of NSAIDs may occur. These may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, faecal occult blood, apathy and renal failure. 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.

Overdose:

In the event of an overdose, adverse reactions are of overdosing a symptomatic treatment should be initiated.

Dosage and Administration:

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE

Discard 3 months after initial use when stored at 25°C (air conditioning).

Should be administered orally either mixed in food or directly into the mouth around meal times.

Initial treatment is a single dose of 0.1mg Meloxicam/kg bodyweight on the first day. Treatment is to be continued once daily by oral administration (at 24hr intervals) at maintenance dose of 0.05mg/kg bodyweight. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. A 1mL syringe is included in the package to assist with dose measurement and administration. The recommended dose should not be exceeded.

	Dose Rate	Volume
Initial dose (first day of treatment)	0.1mg/kg bodyweight	0.2ml/kg bodyweight
Maintenance dose	0.5mg/kg bodyweight	0.1ml/kg bodyweight

Dosing procedure using the measuring syringe.

Shake the tube vigorously. Unscrew the tamper evident cap and attach the dosing syringe to the tube by gently pushing the syringe end into the insert at the top of the tube to ensure a good seal.

Invert the tube and draw the plunger until the black line on the plunger corresponds to the volume required in mL. Turn the tube right way up and with a twisting motion, gently separate the dosing syringe from the tube. Position the syringe directly over the food or in the mouth. Gently press the plunger in to dispense the dose.

First Aid:

If poisoning occurs contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre Ph 0800 764 766.

Disposal:

Dispose of the empty container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage.

Storage:

Store below 25°C (Air Conditioning).

Presentation:

10, 30, 50, & 100mL tube carton containing a measuring syringe.

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No A10460

RESTRICTED VETERINARY MEDICINE

Ilium Meloxicam 0.5 Cat Anti-Inflammatory Oral

Suspension for Cats For Animal Treatment Only