Ilium Meloxicam

Suspension

Actions
Relieves inflammation and pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. MELOXICAM is a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from oxicam.

Indications
MELOXICAM acts by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, analgesic and antipyretic effects. It reduces leukocyte infiltration into the inflamed tissue and prevents bone and cartilage destruction. To a minor extent it also inhibits collagen-induced thrombocyte aggregation.

Directions for use
Shake well before use. Administer orally, mixed with food.

Accuracy in MELOXICAM dosage is an important consideration. The packaging format offers a choice of two delivery systems: drop dispenser (suitable for smaller dog breeds) delivering 0.1mg of MELOXICAM per droplet or graduated measuring syringe.

Dropwise dispensing: The package has been developed to ensure the uniformity of the dose or oral drops. After shaking, unscrew cap and position tube above meal with outlet facing downwards. Apply pressure to achieve desired dropping speed which permits a definite break between droplet formation for ease of counting. Adjust dropping speed by increasing or reducing pressure on the tube. Dropping ceases immediately after pressure on the tube is reduced.

Dosing syringe: After shaking, unscrew cap and attach the dosing syringe to the tube by gently pushing the syringe end into the dropper insert at the top of the tube to ensure a good seal. Invert the tube and draw the plunger until the black line on the plunger corresponds to the volume required in mL. Turn the tube right way up and with a twisting motion, gently separate the dosing syringe from the tube. Position the syringe above the meal and gently empty the contents onto the food.

Initial Dose 0.2mg/kg bodyweight	2 drops/kg bodyweight 1mL/7.5kg bodyweight
Maintenance Dose 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight	1 drop/kg bodyweight 1mL/15kg bodyweight

Presentation
10mL, 30mL, 50mL, 100mL suspension.

Composition
Each mL contains 1.5mg Meloxicam

Precautions
Do not administer to pregnant or lactating bitches in the last third of pregnancy. Contraindicated for use in animals suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as irritation and haemorrhage, impaired hepatic, cardiac or renal function and haemorrhagic disorders or where there is evidence of individual hypersensitivity
to the product.

As for all NSAIDs use in an animal less than 6 weeks of age or in debilitated aged animals may involve additional risk. If use in such animals cannot be avoided careful clinical management may be necessary.
Other NSAIDs, diuretics, anticoagulants, aminoglycoside antibiotics and substances with high protein binding may compete for binding and thus lead to toxic effects. MELOXICAM must not be administered in conjunction with other NSAIDs or glucocorticosteriods. Concurrent administration of potential nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

Pre-treatment with other anti-inflammatory drugs prior to the use of MELOXICAM may result in additional or increased adverse effect and accordingly a treatment-free period with such drugs should be observed for at least 24 hours before commencement with MELOXICAM.

The treatment-free period however should take into account the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs previously used.
Typical adverse reactions of NSAIDs may occur, particularly within the first 5-14 days of treatment. These may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, faecal occult blood and apathy. Gastro-intestinal side effects are in most cases transient and disappear following termination of treatment but in rare cases may be serious. If gastro-intestinal side effects are persistent, or of severity, treatment should be discontinued.

Storage
Store below 25ºC (air conditioning).
Discard six months after initial use.

Registration
All states

APVMA Number
60023