Deracoxib:

• It is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of the coxib class approved for use in veterinary practice only.

MOA:

• It selectively inhibits COX-2; enzyme responsible for production of prostaglandin involved in pain, inflammation and fever.

Pharmacological Effect:

• It exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic action.

Pharmacokinetics:

• It has oral absorption of about 90% in dogs.
• Bioavailability donot diminish in presence of food.
• Time to reach max. concentration; 2 hours
• It is highly plasma protein bound with a half-life of about 3 hours.

Side effects/Adverse effects:

• Since high doses of drugs inhibit COX-1, it may cause adverse reactions in some species.
• Common side effects include:
  • GI upset; Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetance
  • Depression, lethargy, increased in drinking or urination
  • Jaundice, Bloody or black stools, pale gum, hot spots
  • GI ulcers in dogs have been reported.

Contraindications and precautions:

• In animals with known allergy to NSAID
• It shouldnot be used concurrently with other NSAID or corticosteroid
• In animals with pre-existing ulcers, bleeding disorder, renal or hepatic disease
• It should be avoided in dehydrated, hypotensive or volume-depleted dogs.
• It should be used with caution in geriatric dog
• It should be avoided in pregnant or lactating animals.

Indications:

• Osteoarthritis in dog
• For control of pain, fever and inflammation associated with surgery
• Available in 25 and 100mg chewable tablet.

Dose:

• Dogs: 1-2 mg/kg, PO, OD for osteoarthritis

3-4 mg/kg, OD x 7 days in post-operative pain