Cimicoxib
Cimicoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class, highly selective for the COX-2 enzyme. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and for the management of perioperative pain due to orthopedic or soft tissue surgery in dogs. > **Warning:** As with all NSAIDs, there is a risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic adverse effects. **Clinical Pearl:** Cimicoxib is formulated as a highly palatable chewable tablet, which improves owner compliance, but it must be kept strictly out of reach of pets to prevent accidental massive overdose.
Mechanism: Cimicoxib **selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme**. → This limits the conversion of arachidonic acid to **prostaglandins** (such as PGE2) that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. → By sparing the COX-1 enzyme at therapeutic doses, it aims to maintain normal physiological functions like gastric mucosal protection and renal blood flow, though selectivity is not absolute and adverse effects can still occur.
Dosing by species
- Osteoarthritis and perioperative pain due to orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery · Not specified in text · PO · Not specified · 3-7 days · Dose not explicitly stated in the provided snippet. Formulations available are 8 mg, 30 mg, and 80 mg.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- Dogs less than 10 weeks of age
- Dogs weighing less than 2 kg
- Gastrointestinal disorders or ulceration
- Impaired hepatic, cardiac, or renal function
- Bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or sulfonamides
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Gastrointestinal ulceration
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Renal impairment
- Lethargy
Drug interactions
- Corticosteroids · Increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding · major
- Other NSAIDs · Increased risk of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity · major
- ACE inhibitors · Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and reduced hypotensive effect · moderate
- Diuretics · Increased risk of nephrotoxicity · moderate
- Warfarin · Competition for plasma protein binding sites, potentially increasing bleeding risk · moderate
Monitoring
- Renal function (BUN, Creatinine, SDMA, Urinalysis)
- Hepatic function (ALT, ALP, Bilirubin)
- Clinical signs of GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea, melena)
- Hydration status
Overdose
Overdose may lead to severe gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, bloody diarrhea, ulceration), renal failure, and hepatic damage. > **Treatment:** Discontinue the drug immediately. Initiate supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy to support renal perfusion, gastroprotectants (e.g., omeprazole, sucralfate), and closely monitor renal and hepatic blood parameters.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.