Savavet Metaflam (Meloxicam 2.5 mg) Chewable Analgesic & Anti-Inflammatory Tablets for Dogs

Active Formulation Matrix & Pharmacological Profile

ParameterSpecificationPharmacological Mechanism & Clinical RoleActive Pharmaceutical IngredientMeloxicam (2.5 mg per tablet)Potent oxicam-derivative NSAID.Pharmacological ClassPreferential COX-2 InhibitorInhibits prostaglandin $PGE_2$ synthesis at inflamed tissue sites while sparing baseline mucosal COX-1.Therapeutic ActionsAnalgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antipyretic, Anti-ExudativeReduces pain transmission, tissue swelling, leukocyte extravasation, and fever.Oral BioavailabilityHigh (~89% to 100% in canines)Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; enhanced when administered with food.Plasma Half-Life ($t_{1/2}$)Approx. 24 Hours in DogsEnables convenient, once-daily (q24h) steady-state therapeutic dosing.Metabolism & EliminationHepatic biotransformation; biliary & urinary excretionMetabolized by liver enzymes into inactive polar metabolites.

Clinical Veterinary Indications

• Relief of pain and inflammation in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, spondylitis, tendonitis).

• Multimodal post-operative pain management following orthopedic surgery, dental extractions, and soft-tissue surgery (ovariohysterectomy, castration).

• Supportive anti-inflammatory and antipyretic therapy during systemic infectious fevers, tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis), and respiratory infections alongside indicated antimicrobials.

• Management of acute soft tissue trauma, sprains, strains, and contusions.

Comparison: Savavet Metaflam (Meloxicam) vs. Carprofen vs. Grapiprant

ParameterSavavet Metaflam (Meloxicam 2.5 mg)Carprofen (Rimadyl / Carprieve)Grapiprant (Galliprant)Drug ClassOxicam (Preferential COX-2 Inhibitor)Propionic Acid (Preferential COX-2)Non-COX Inhibitor (EP4 Receptor Antagonist)Fever Reduction (Antipyretic)Strong & RapidModerateMinimal to NoneDosing FrequencyOnce Daily (q24h)Once or Twice DailyOnce DailyFormulation FlexibilityChewable Tablets & Oral SuspensionsChewable Tablets & InjectablesOral TabletsSoft Tissue & Surgery PainBroad & Highly EffectiveBroad & EffectiveNarrow (Solely approved for OA)Cost / AffordabilityEconomical & Widely AccessibleModerate to HighHigh Premium

Dosage & Administration Protocol

Strictly for oral administration in dogs under veterinary supervision:

Standard Clinical Veterinary Dosing Regimen:

• Day 1 (Initial Loading Dose): Administer 0.2 mg Meloxicam per kg body weight as a single oral dose (equivalent to 1 tablet of Metaflam 2.5 mg per 12.5 kg body weight on Day 1).

• Day 2 Onward (Maintenance Dose): Administer 0.1 mg Meloxicam per kg body weight once every 24 hours (equivalent to 1 tablet of Metaflam 2.5 mg per 25 kg body weight daily).

• For chronic osteoarthritis: After clinical improvement is observed (usually within 7–14 days), the veterinarian may titrate down to the lowest effective individual maintenance dose.

Weight-Based Daily Dosing Reference (Maintenance at 0.1 mg/kg):

Dog Body Weight BracketDay 1 Loading Dose (0.2 mg/kg)Day 2+ Maintenance Dose (0.1 mg/kg)Practical Administration6.0 kg to 6.5 kg½ Tablet (1.25 mg)¼ Tablet (0.625 mg)Use pill cutter on scored line12.0 kg to 13.0 kg1 Tablet (2.5 mg)½ Tablet (1.25 mg)Give once daily with food24.0 kg to 26.0 kg2 Tablets (5.0 mg)1 Tablet (2.5 mg)Standard medium-to-large dog dose35.0 kg to 40.0 kg3 Tablets (7.5 mg)1½ Tablets (3.75 mg)Large breed daily maintenance50.0 kg (Giant Breeds)4 Tablets (10.0 mg)2 Tablets (5.0 mg)Giant breed daily maintenance

Administration Tips:

• Always Administer With or Immediately After Food: Administering on a full stomach or mixed into a portion of wet food significantly buffers the gastric mucosa and lowers the risk of vomiting or mild dyspepsia.

• Maintain Hydration: Ensure the dog has continuous, unrestricted access to fresh drinking water throughout the treatment duration to support renal perfusion.

Product Specifications

ParameterDetailsBrandSavavet (Sava Healthcare Limited)Product Trade NameMetaflam 2.5 mg Chewable TabletsActive MoleculeMeloxicam 2.5 mg per tabletTherapeutic ClassNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) – Oxicam ClassDosage FormFlavored, Scored Oral Chewable TabletsPackaging PresentationBlister Strip of 10 Tablets (Available as 1x10 or boxes of 10x10)Target SpeciesDogs OnlyPrescription StatusPrescription Veterinary Medicine (Rx Required)

Contraindications, Safety Warnings & Precautions

• STRICT FELINE CONTRAINDICATION: Do NOT administer Metaflam 2.5 mg tablets to cats. Felines exhibit deficient glucuronyl transferase hepatic pathways and prolonged meloxicam clearance. Using 2.5 mg canine tablets in cats can cause acute, fatal renal failure. Cats require micro-dosed feline-specific oral liquid formulations.

• Absolute "No-Washout" NSAID / Steroid Precaution: Never combine Metaflam with other NSAIDs (such as Carprofen, Firocoxib) or systemic corticosteroids (such as Prednisolone, Dexamethasone). Concurrent administration dramatically increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal perforations and renal damage. A minimum 3- to 7-day "washout period" must be observed when switching between anti-inflammatory classes.

• Pre-Existing Organ Impairment: Contraindicated in dogs with active gastrointestinal ulceration, severe hepatic impairment, cardiac disease, or renal insufficiency. Dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive dogs should not receive meloxicam.

• Adverse Reaction Watch: Discontinue immediately and contact a veterinarian if the dog exhibits vomiting, dark tarry stools (melena), anorexia, lethargy, or sudden changes in drinking habits.

• Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature (below 30°C) in a dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep blister packs intact until ready to dispense. Keep strictly out of reach of children and domestic animals