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Metacam 0.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension for Cats and Guinea Pigs

Veterinary product identity

Marketing authorisation holder: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
VM / authorisation number: EU/2/97/004/026,033,034,049
Distribution category: POM-V

These identifiers distinguish this authorisation from other products that may contain the same active substance. Brand, strength, pharmaceutical form, pack presentation and authorised species can change the clinically relevant instructions, so another product should not be treated as interchangeable solely because an ingredient is shared.

Pharmacological and therapeutic context

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce prostaglandin-mediated pain and inflammation. Veterinary use commonly relates to painful inflammatory conditions or peri-operative analgesia where the exact product authorisation supports it.

For Metacam 0.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension for Cats and Guinea Pigs, the VMD lists Meloxicam for Cats Guinea Pig. That species statement is product-specific. VetCalc does not extend it to another species, formulation, indication or country unless a separate authoritative source supports that use.

Clinical use and case selection

The exact authorised indications for this product should be read in the current SPC/product information before treatment. Appropriate case selection depends on diagnosis, severity, age, physiological status, concurrent disease, previous therapy and other medicines. Where laboratory, imaging, culture, parasite testing or other diagnostic information can materially change treatment choice, those findings should inform the plan.

Therapeutic response should be assessed against a defined clinical objective. Failure to improve, unexpected deterioration or recurrence should prompt reassessment of the diagnosis and treatment rather than automatic continuation or escalation.

Formulation, route and administration

Strength, pharmaceutical form, route, frequency, treatment duration and administration technique are not inferred on this page. They must be taken from the current authorised information for VM/authorisation EU/2/97/004/026,033,034,049. This is particularly important where products with similar names or active substances exist in different concentrations, routes or species presentations.

Patient weight, hydration, organ function, concurrent treatment and practical administration factors can affect safe use. Veterinary professionals should confirm calculations and product presentation at the point of prescribing, dispensing and administration.

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Gastrointestinal ulceration, renal injury and hepatic adverse reactions are important class risks. Dehydration, hypovolaemia, concurrent renal disease and inappropriate combination with another NSAID or corticosteroid can increase risk.

Product-specific contraindications may relate to species, age, pregnancy or lactation, breeding status, organ dysfunction, hypersensitivity, concurrent medication or previous adverse reactions. The absence of a warning from this overview must never be interpreted as absence of risk. Check the current SPC before clinical use.

Suspected adverse reactions should be managed clinically and reported through the appropriate pharmacovigilance route where required. Extra care is appropriate when several medicines with overlapping physiological effects are used together.

Monitoring and follow-up

Monitor analgesic response, appetite and gastrointestinal signs, hydration and renal/hepatic parameters when clinically appropriate, especially during longer treatment courses.

Monitoring intensity should reflect the medicine, disease severity, treatment duration and patient risk. For ongoing therapy, record baseline findings where useful and define what improvement, toxicity or treatment failure would trigger review. Owners or animal carers should receive clear instructions on administration and signs that require veterinary reassessment.

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic stewardship

Where this product is an antimicrobial or antiparasitic, use should support responsible stewardship: confirm that treatment is justified, use diagnostics when appropriate, follow the authorised regimen and local professional guidance, and avoid unnecessary repeat exposure. Population-level resistance can reduce future treatment options. For other medicine classes, the same principle of using the narrowest appropriate and evidence-supported intervention remains relevant.

Food-producing animals and withdrawal periods

At least one listed target species may enter or relate to the food chain. Legal withdrawal periods, maximum residue requirements and treatment-record obligations must therefore be checked against the current SPC for this exact authorisation before use.

VetCalc deliberately does not copy a withdrawal period from another product, species, route or jurisdiction. Milk, meat, eggs, honey or other commodity restrictions can differ even between products containing the same active substance. Treatment and withdrawal records should follow applicable professional and legal requirements.

Regulatory verification and prescribing status

Verified source: UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate Product Information Database.
Territory shown by VMD: Northern Ireland
Supply/distribution category: POM-V.

The distribution category is reproduced from the authoritative product listing; its practical prescribing or supply implications should be interpreted under current UK veterinary medicines rules and the exact product documentation.

Check the current VMD product record / Product Information Database

International context

This UK regulatory record does not establish approval, indication, dose, route, supply status or withdrawal requirements in the United States, Australia, South Africa or any other jurisdiction. International information must be verified separately against the relevant authority, including FDA/CVM in the US, APVMA in Australia and the applicable South African regulatory source.

Professional reference note

This page is designed as a substantive veterinary reference and discovery record, not as a substitute for the current SPC/label or patient-specific veterinary judgement. Before clinical use, verify the exact product, species, indication, dose, route, contraindications, interactions, prescribing status and any withdrawal period from the current authorised source.

Last reviewed/updated: October 8, 2026