Meloxidyl 2% Injection

Product Overview and Classification

Meloxidyl 2% Injection is a medicinal product that contains the active substance meloxicam. Meloxidyl is a pale green oral suspension (1.5 mg/ml) for dogs and (0.5 mg/ml) for cats, which is mixed into the food, and a yellow solution for injection (5 mg/ml) for dogs and cats as well as solution for injection formulations.

Note: Based on standard veterinary formulations, “Meloxidyl 2%” would refer to a 20 mg/ml concentration (2% = 20mg/ml), which is the high-concentration formulation used primarily in large animals like cattle.

Active Ingredient and Properties

Active Ingredient: Meloxicam 20 mg/ml (2%) Drug Classification: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Chemical Class: Oxicam derivative Generic Status: Meloxidyl is the first FDA approved generic of Metacam (meloxicam suspension)

Mechanism of Action

Meloxicam works through:

COX-2 selective inhibition: Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2

Anti-inflammatory action: Reduces prostaglandin synthesis

Analgesic effects: Provides pain relief

Antipyretic properties: Reduces fever

Target Species and Indications

Primary Species for Meloxidyl 2% Injection:

Cattle (beef and dairy)

Large animals requiring higher concentrations

Clinical Indications:

Cattle:

Meloxicam (20 mg/mL) is approved for use in cattle in several European countries with a 15-day meat withdrawal time and a 5-day milk withdrawal time after administration of 0.5 mg/kg IM or SC

Meloxicam injection is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug in cattle in diarrhea in combination with rehydration therapy, in acute respiratory infections.

Common Uses:

Post-surgical pain management

Respiratory disease support therapy

Mastitis adjunct treatment

Digestive disorder support

Lameness and musculoskeletal pain

General inflammation control

Dogs and Cats (Lower Concentrations):

An oral meloxicam suspension (1.5 mg/mL) and injectable formulation (5 mg/mL) are approved in the United States for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Furthermore, an injectable formulation (5 mg/mL) is approved for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation in cats Meloxidyl 2% Injection

Meloxidyl 2% Injection Dosage and Administration

Cattle (20 mg/ml formulation):

Standard Dosing: 0.5 mg/kg IM or SC

Dose calculation: 0.025 ml per kg body weight

500 kg cattle: 12.5 ml per dose

Route: Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection

Frequency: Single dose or as prescribed

Administration Guidelines:

Use sterile injection technique

Administer at room temperature

Shake well before use if suspension

Rotate injection sites for multiple doses

Pharmacokinetics

Key Properties:

Rapid absorption: Quick onset within 1-3 hours

Long half-life: Allows once-daily dosing

High bioavailability: Good systemic absorption

Protein binding: Extensive plasma protein binding

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism

Elimination: Primarily renal excretion

Duration of Action:

Anti-inflammatory effects: 12-24 hours

Analgesic effects: 8-12 hours

Peak plasma concentration: 1-4 hours post-injection

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Common Side Effects: Meloxidyl 2% Injection

Gastrointestinal: Ulceration, bleeding, decreased appetite

Renal: Kidney dysfunction, increased urination

Hepatic: Liver enzyme elevation with prolonged use

Local: Injection site reactions (swelling, pain)

Serious Adverse Effects:

Severe GI bleeding: Can be life-threatening

Acute kidney failure: Particularly in dehydrated animals

Liver toxicity: With prolonged or high-dose use

Cardiovascular effects: Rare but possible

Species-Specific Considerations:

Cats: More sensitive to meloxicam effects

Elderly animals: Increased risk of adverse reactions

Dehydrated animals: Higher risk of kidney problems

Contraindications and Precautions

Absolute Contraindications:

Known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or NSAIDs

Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

Severe cardiac failure

Relative Contraindications:

Dehydration or hypovolemia

Concurrent NSAID or corticosteroid use

Pre-existing kidney or liver compromise

Pregnancy (especially third trimester)

Very young or elderly animals Meloxidyl 2% Injection

Special Precautions:

Ensure adequate hydration before and during treatment

Use lowest effective dose

Monitor for adverse reactions

Avoid prolonged treatment periods

Drug Interactions

Significant Interactions:

Other NSAIDs: Increased toxicity risk

Corticosteroids: Enhanced GI ulceration

Anticoagulants: Increased bleeding risk

ACE inhibitors: Reduced kidney function

Diuretics: Enhanced nephrotoxicity

Aminoglycosides: Increased kidney damage risk

Withdrawal Periods and Food Safety

Cattle Withdrawal Times:

15-day meat withdrawal time and a 5-day milk withdrawal time

Important Notes: Meloxidyl 2% Injection

Withdrawal periods may vary by country/region

Always consult current product labeling

Strict compliance required for food safety

Maintain accurate treatment records

Storage and Handling

Storage Requirements:

Store below 25°C (77°F)

Protect from light and freezing

Keep in original container

Maintain sterility until use

Check expiration dates

Handling Precautions:

Use sterile injection techniques

Wear protective equipment

Avoid human exposure

Dispose of needles/syringes safely

Keep away from children and pets

Clinical Benefits

Therapeutic Advantages:

High potency: 20 mg/ml allows smaller injection volumes

Rapid onset: Quick pain relief

Long duration: Once-daily dosing typically sufficient

Broad spectrum: Effective for various inflammatory conditions

Good tissue penetration: Reaches inflamed areas effectively

Meloxidyl 2% Injection Economic Benefits:

Reduced handling stress: Single injection vs. multiple pills

Labor efficiency: Quick administration

Improved compliance: Professional administration ensures proper dosing

Safety Monitoring

Pre-treatment Assessment:

Evaluate kidney and liver function

Assess hydration status

Review concurrent medications

Consider animal age and condition

During Treatment:

Monitor for adverse reactions

Assess pain relief effectiveness

Watch for signs of GI or kidney problems

Ensure adequate water intake

Post-treatment:

Follow up on treatment response

Monitor for delayed reactions

Consider need for additional therapy

Professional Use Guidelines

Veterinary Supervision:

Prescription-only medication

Requires proper diagnosis

Professional administration recommended

Regular monitoring essential

Best Practices:

Accurate dosing: Based on current body weight

Proper injection technique: Minimize tissue trauma

Record keeping: Maintain detailed treatment records

Client education: Inform about withdrawal periods

Regulatory Status

Prescription-Only Medicine (POM-V)

Licensed for specified species only

Subject to withdrawal periods in food animals

Controlled distribution through veterinary channels

Emergency Management

Overdose Signs:

Severe vomiting or diarrhea

Lethargy or depression

Difficulty breathing

Pale gums or jaundice

Excessive urination or lack thereof

Emergency Response:

Discontinue medication immediately

Contact veterinarian urgently

Provide supportive care (IV fluids, gastric protection)

Monitor kidney and liver function

Package Information

Common presentations include:

50ml vials

100ml bottles

Multi-dose vials with appropriate preservatives

Single-use ampules for specific dosing

Meloxidyl 2% injection (20 mg/ml) represents a high-concentration meloxicam formulation designed primarily for large animal use, particularly cattle. Its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it valuable for managing pain and inflammation while requiring careful attention to proper dosing, withdrawal periods, and monitoring for adverse effects to ensure safe and effective therapeutic outcomes.