Cimicoxib

Cimicoxib: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Cimicoxib limits the production of prostaglandins implicated in inflammation by selectively inhibiting COX-2.

Uses of Cimicoxib

• Management of perioperative pain brought on by orthopedic or soft tissue surgery in dogs
• Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Dose of Cimicoxib in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

2 mg/kg p.o. q24h administered with or without food.

Cats:

Not authorized for cats.

Side Effects of Cimicoxib in Dogs and Cats

• Mild GI signs are commonly reported but most recover without treatment.
• Stop therapy if signs persist beyond 1–2 days or GI bleeding is suspected.
• A 3–5 day wash-out period should be allowed before starting therapy with another NSAID.
• There is a small risk that NSAIDs may precipitate cardiac failure in humans and this risk in animals is unknown.

Contraindications of Cimicoxib in Dogs and Cats

• Not given to puppies younger than 10 weeks old.
• Don’t give to patients who are dehydrated, hypovolemic, hypotensive, have GI disorders, or have issues with blood coagulation.
• If cimicoxib is given to individuals with concurrent renal or hepatic impairment, there may be an increased risk involved, so close patient monitoring is necessary.
• Do not give to pregnant or lactating bitches.
• Do not administer glucocorticoids and other NSAIDs simultaneously or within 24 hours of each other.

Some Notes:

• It is recommended to take one dose two hours prior to surgery, followed by three to seven days of treatment.
• Preoperatively, all NSAIDs should be provided with caution.
• Cimicoxib predominantly suppresses COX-2, however, it can still have a negative impact on renal perfusion when blood pressure is low.
• If hypotension during anesthesia is predicted, wait to administer cimicoxib until the animal is fully recovered and has returned to normal blood pressure.
• Cimicoxib’s metabolism will be slowed down by liver disease, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and overdose with repeated doses.
• An initial treatment term of six months is recommended for the reduction of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis; this can be extended based on the clinical requirement for analgesic medication.