General Information on Deramaxx
Deramaxx is a veterinarian medication given as part of the post-operative treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs after an orthopedic surgery is completed. The generic name for this drug is deracoxib, which is a coxib class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Deramaxx inhibits the action of certain chemicals in the dog’s body that causes the pain and inflammation. This medication is also given for the treatment and control of inflammations and pain in dogs caused by osteoarthritis.
You must buy Deramaxx for your dog only if it has been prescribed by the veterinarian. The potential risks and benefits of Deramaxx must be weighed and other treatment options considered before this medication is prescribed. The lowest effective dosage should be given to the dog as per its response.
Side effects of Deramaxx
Deramaxx is not to be given to humans, and must be kept away from children to prevent accidental consumption of this medicine. If you suspect that someone has accidently ingested this medication, you must get immediate medical assistance.
Before you buy Deramaxx, your veterinarian must perform a thorough physical and medical history examination on the dog. Certain lab tests may be required in order to establish if your dog can undergo treatment with Deramaxx without causing any side effects.
NSAIDs are known to cause a certain amount of toxicity in the liver, kidneys and digestive system. The sensitivity to such problems differs with each dog. The most common side effects observed in dogs given Deramaxx include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hematochezia
- Melena
- Lesions on or around the site of surgical incision
- Lesions not limited to the incision site, such as dermatitis or pyoderma
- Conjunctivitis
- Otitis externa
- Phlebitis
- Positive joint culture
- Hepatmegaly
- Splenomegaly
Dosage of Deramaxx
Deramaxx needs to be given only with the veterinarian’s advice. This medicine is available as a biconvex, round chewable tablet. The dosage of Deramaxx is dependent on the body weight of the dog.
Dogs with a weight of or over 4 pounds can be given this medication if Deramaxx is being given for post-operative treatment of orthopedic inflammations and pain. In such cases, the recommended daily dosage of this medicine is 1.4mg to 1.8mg per pound of body weight in a single dose. You must not give this drug for more than 7 days to the dog.
For dogs being treated for osteoporosis, the daily recommended dosage of Deramaxx ranges from 0.45mg to 0.91mg per pound of body weight in a single dose. The efficacy of Deramaxx is greatest when it is given along with food, although this medicine is known to be effective in fasting as well as fed conditions. If required, you may need to give this medicine when your dog is in fasting condition. Dosage is usually calculated as per half tablet increments, and your veterinarian may monitor your dog’s condition in order to adjust the dosage to the minimum effective level.
Pharmacist Notes: This is a chewable tablet.
