Cimicoxib
4-[4-chloro-5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide
Also known as: Cimalgex · Cimicoxibum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis and perioperative pain due to orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery | Not specified in text | PO | Not specified | 3-7 days | 🌍 EU |
- Osteoarthritis and perioperative pain due to orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery: 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.
Overview
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 of action
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.
Safety & warnings
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
Precautions
Caution: Ensure the dog is adequately hydrated and normotensive before administration to minimize the risk of renal toxicity.
Do not use concurrently with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. Monitor liver and kidney function during long-term use. Wash hands after handling the product.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
Increased risk of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity
Increased risk of nephrotoxicity and reduced hypotensive effect
Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
Competition for plasma protein binding sites, potentially increasing bleeding risk
Monitoring
- Renal function (BUN, Creatinine, SDMA, Urinalysis)
- Hepatic function (ALT, ALP, Bilirubin)
- Clinical signs of GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea, melena)
- Hydration status
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Food does not significantly alter bioavailability.
Distribution
Highly protein-bound in plasma.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via feces (biliary route) and urine.
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.
Available products
Formulations
- 8 mg chewable tablet
- 30 mg chewable tablet
- 80 mg chewable tablet
Veterinary
- Cimalgex 8 mg chewable tablets
- Cimalgex 30 mg chewable tablets
- Cimalgex 80 mg chewable tablets
Regulatory status
Not currently marketed in the US.
Authorized for use in dogs for osteoarthritis and perioperative pain.
Classified as POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian).
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep blister packs in the outer carton to protect from light. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Client information
Cimicoxib is used to relieve pain and inflammation in your dog, often for arthritis or after surgery.
Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Warning: Stop the medication and contact your vet immediately if your dog stops eating, vomits, has diarrhea, or if you notice dark, tarry stools.
Always provide plenty of fresh water. Because these tablets are flavored and chewable, keep them securely stored out of reach of all pets to prevent accidental overdose. Do not give any other pain medications without consulting your vet.
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.