Meloxicam is a recently developed congener of piroxicam that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities. Meloxicam has greater in vivo inhibitory action against the inducible COX-2, which is implicated in the inflammatory response than COX-1. In animal studies, a COX-2:COX-1 selectively of 11-14 times has been measured. Accordingly, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of meloxicam has been found to be similar to piroxicam, while GI and renal side effects are significantly less. The elimination half-life of meloxicam is reported to be shorter in horses (~3 hours) and pigs (4 hours), while it is longer in dogs (12-36 hours), cattle (~13 hours) and man (20 hours). Oral absorption is almost complete in dogs when administered with food.
Clinical Uses
In veterinary medicine, meloxicam is used mainly in dogs for relieving pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and synovitis. It is also used as an antipyretic in dogs and cats. In pigs, meloxicam has been recommended for the treatment of mastitis-metritis-agalctia syndrome. In horses, meloxicam is for treating pain and inflammation associated with surgery. It is also used for treatment of some other condition such as mastitis in cattle and diarrhoea in calves.
Adverse effects
Meloxicam has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than piroxicam and perhaps other NSAIDs which are not COX-2 selective. However, similar to other NSAIDs, gastrointestinal toxicity (inappetance, vomiting, and diarrhoea), and bleeding may occur after prolonged use or in high doses.
