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Meloxicam Compounded Oral Suspension for Dogs

Oral Suspension Formulation

Meloxicam made into a liquid suspension for dogs, with the strength set by the veterinarian. FDA approves a 1.5 mg/mL suspension. Chino, CA.

Reviewed by Linda Pungpravat, PharmD, RPh Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy, Chino, CA. Updated

  • USP <795> compliant
  • USP <800> hazardous drug lab
  • PCCA member

Clinical Advantages

  • Strength in mg per mL set by the veterinarian
  • Liquid dose measured by weight
  • Flavor options
  • Dye free options on request
  • Non sterile preparation

How It Works

What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug, or NSAID. The FDA approved Metacam oral suspension, 1.5 mg/mL, for dogs only. The label lists control of pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis in dogs [1].

A compounded meloxicam suspension is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not reviewed it.

What is an oral suspension?

It's a liquid that you give by mouth. The medicine is spread through a liquid base, so the bottle gets shaken before each dose. The dose is measured with an oral syringe.

What a compounded liquid can change

  • The concentration. The approved product is one strength, 1.5 mg/mL [1]
  • The flavor and the base, chosen with the pharmacist
  • Ingredients, for dogs that need to avoid a specific one

A water based liquid has a short shelf life. The USP 795 default is 35 days if it's preserved and 14 days if it isn't [3]. The pharmacist sets the date for each bottle.

For veterinarians

  • Small animal, general practice, and orthopedic or rehabilitation practices treating dogs
  • Send the weight, strength in mg per mL, and total volume. Call (909) 378-7301 to talk with our pharmacist
  • The Metacam label prohibits use in cats. Mixwell prepares this suspension for dogs only

For pet owners

  • Your veterinarian sets the dose. Shake the bottle and measure with the syringe
  • Never give it to a cat. The label says repeated use in cats has been linked to kidney failure and death [1]
  • Call your veterinarian if your dog vomits, has black stools, stops eating, or seems very tired

Clinical Details

What does the evidence show?
  • Metacam oral suspension, 1.5 mg/mL, is FDA approved for dogs to control pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis [1].
  • The label prohibits use in cats [1].
  • The FDA states that any compounded animal drug is not FDA approved and that it has not evaluated the safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing of a compounded drug [2].

Findings come from the cited studies and do not promise any individual outcome.

Why is it compounded, and how is it typically used?

Why it is compounded

The approved dog product is one concentration, 1.5 mg/mL [1]. A veterinarian who needs a different concentration, a different base, or a different flavor may order a suspension compounded.

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Strength in mg per mL set by the veterinarian
  • Suspending base chosen with the pharmacist, with flavor options
  • Volumes matched to the prescription

Dosing is the veterinarian's decision.

How Mixwell prepares it

Mixwell compounds this liquid in Chino, California under USP 795 rules for non sterile preparations [3]. The FDA says compounding animal drugs from bulk drug substances is not allowed [2], so our pharmacist confirms the source of the meloxicam before compounding. We also confirm the strength and base with the veterinarian. We ship across California. Veterinary prescriptions cannot be charged to an HSA or FSA account.

Safety information

The Metacam label warns that repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been linked to acute kidney failure and death. It lists known sensitivity to meloxicam and use in cats as contraindications [1].

It calls for a full history and exam before starting, and baseline and periodic lab tests. It warns that NSAIDs can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers and that kidney risk is highest in dehydrated dogs, dogs on diuretics, and dogs with kidney, heart, or liver problems. It advises against using another NSAID or a corticosteroid at the same time [1].

Safety has not been established in dogs under 6 months, breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs, or dogs with bleeding disorders. Common reactions are vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea, and reduced appetite [1]. The product is not for human use.

These warnings come from the approved label. No FDA labeling describes a compounded suspension. Diagnosis, dosing, and monitoring are the veterinarian's responsibility.

References
  1. METACAM (meloxicam oral suspension) 1.5 mg/mL for dogs. Prescribing information. DailyMed
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dear pharmacy professional letter on compounded animal drugs. FDA
  3. United States Pharmacopeia. General Chapter 795, Pharmaceutical Compounding: Nonsterile Preparations. USP NF. Official November 1, 2023.

What to include on the prescription

  • APIs and strengths
  • Base or vehicle
  • Quantity
  • Directions for use
  • Refills
  • Allergies or dye free needs
Call (909) 378-7301 Fax (909) 378-7071

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Compounded in Chino, CA. Delivered across California.

  • Chino
  • Chino Hills
  • Ontario
  • Pomona
  • Diamond Bar
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Eastvale
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy 13788 Roswell Ave, Ste 158, Chino, CA 91710
(909) 378-7301

Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. Dispensed only with a valid prescription. Mixwell is a non sterile pharmacy and does not prepare sterile products or injectables. Compounded preparations are not presented as superior to commercially available products, and nothing here promises a specific result. Mixwell does not accept insurance. Call for pricing.

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