Always provide client information sheet with prescription. Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of Metacam and other treatment options before deciding to use Metacam. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response. Metacam Oral Suspension should be administered initially at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight only on the first day of treatment. For all treatments after day 1, Metacam Oral Suspension should be administered once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg). The syringe is calibrated to deliver the daily maintenance dose in pounds.
Dogs under 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Shake well before use, then remove cap. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth. Carefully measure suspension onto food to assure that the correct dose is given before presentation of the food to the dog. The syringe provided with the meloxicam concentration of 0.5 mg/mL cannot be used to measure doses for dogs weighing less than 1 lb (0.45 kg).
For dogs less than 1 lb (0.45 kg), Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: two drops for each pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (five drops for each kilogram of body weight), dropped directly onto the food.
For dogs between 1-10 pounds, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given by drops or by using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale beginning at 1 lb, designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 pound increment. Replace and tighten cap after use.
Dogs over 10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Shake well before use then remove cap. Metacam Oral Suspension may be either mixed with food or placed directly into the mouth. Particular care should be given with regard to the accuracy of dosing. Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the measuring syringe provided in the package (see dosing procedure below). The syringe fits on to the bottle and has a scale in pounds designed to deliver the daily maintenance dose (0.05 mg/lb or 0.1 mg/kg). When using the syringe, the dog’s weight should be rounded down to the nearest 1 pound increment. Alternatively, Metacam Oral Suspension can be given using the dropper bottle: two drops for each pound of body weight for the 0.5 mg/mL concentration (five drops for each kilogram of body weight). Replace and tighten cap after use.