Firocoxib

Firocoxib: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• NSAID selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme
• It reduces the release of prostaglandins that are implicated in inflammation.
• It exhibits antipyretic and analgesic properties as well.

Uses of Firocoxib

• Relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and with soft tissue, orthopaedic and dental surgery in dogs.

Dose of Firocoxib in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 5 mg/kg p.o. q24h, with or without food.

Cats:

• Do not use.

Side Effects of Firocoxib in Dogs and Cats

• All animals may exhibit GI symptoms after receiving an NSAID (If this continues for more than 1-2 days, stop the therapy).
• After stopping the medication, a 3-5 day wash-out time should be given before beginning another NSAID.
• Immediately stop therapy if GI bleeding is suspected.
• Firocoxib’s metabolism will be slowed down by liver illness, increasing the risk of drug overdose with repeated doses.

Contraindications of Firocoxib in Dogs and Cats

• In hypotension, all NSAIDs may impair renal perfusion, so they should be used cautiously perioperatively.
• Delay firocoxib until the animal is recovered and normotensive if hypotension is expected during anaesthesia.
• Do not administer to dehydrated, hypovolaemic, hypotensive, GI, or blood clotting patients.
• Avoid pregnant or nursing women and animals under 10 weeks or 3 kg.

Some Notes:

• Do not administer concurrently or within 24 hours of other NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.
• Do not administer with other potentially nephrotoxic agents, e.g. aminoglycosides.
• It should be taken 2 hours before surgery for perioperative pain.
• Dogs receiving firocoxib for longer than 90 days should be evaluated for NSAID-induced adverse effects.
• Firocoxib should be carefully administered to renal-diseased animals.
• Firocoxib may have antitumour properties and work synergistically with platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs to treat transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder.