Deramaxx is one drug that is widely used for dog arthritis. It belongs to the NSAID family, the group of drugs that inhibit the COX-2 substance. The COX-2 substance is the one that causes the inflammation and pain that are evident in pets suffering from arthritis. Deramaxx is a prescription drug and it is currently sold in the form of a chewable tablet.
Deramaxx has the generic name Deracoxib and it is manufactured by the pharmaceutical giant Novartis. The drug was approved by the FDA as a prescription medication for dog osteoarthritis. It comes in different dosage quantities. Deramaxx is available in 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg chewable tablets. The tablets are beef flavored, allowing pet owners to administer the drug easily to pets.
Deramaxx reduces the elements that primarily cause inflammation, pain, and fever. Other than osteoarthritis, the drug can also be given as a therapy for pain relief for dogs that had gone through dental extractions or surgery. This drug is also good for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia.
Deramaxx is a prescription drug. As such, you need clearance from the vet before you can obtain a tablet and give it to your pet. This means that your dog has to undergo a series of check-ups and diagnosis with the vet in order to fully determine the extent of the disease and whether it is still curable by this medication. The vet will also be able to determine how much and how frequent you should administer this drug to your pet.
A licensed pharmacist or a veterinarian can prescribe the right dosage for your pet.
However, the usual dosage is 1.4 mg to 1.8 mg per pound. This is mostly followed if your
dog is being treated for post-operative inflammation and pain.
For osteoarthritis, the required daily dose is lower, which is usually at 0.45 or less
than 1 mg for every pound of your dog’s weight. It is not necessary to give food to your
dog prior to taking the drug, but the effects are usually better if you do. Plenty of
water is advisable. Deramaxx is usually administered by mouth. The prescription of the
veterinarian should be followed at all times. Do not decrease or increase dosage on your
own. Everything should be cleared with the vet.
There is no need to catch up with a missed dose if it overlaps with the next one. However, it is okay to give your pet the missed dose the moment you remember it if the time difference is just a few hours. Never give double doses as this may lead to overdose.
Overdose of Deramaxx should be addressed by the veterinarian right away. Symptoms of Deramaxx overdose may include headaches, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, irregular urination, coma, and slow breathing. If you observe any one of these in your pet and you think that it is because it had taken more Deramaxx than it should, let the vet handle the situation immediately.
Like most prescription drugs, Deramaxx does have side effects. Included in the list are tenderness, abdominal pains, bloody stools, weight gain, fatigue, water retention, itching, jaundice, bruising, and skin rashes. If any of these side effects goes way beyond control, ask the veterinarian for a decrease of dosage or a change in your dog’s medication altogether. While side effects are rather normal, they shouldn’t cause severe discomfort to your pet. Regular visits to the vet while under medication are important so that these side effects are determined and treated right away.
It is possible to use Deramaxx with other herbal remedies but you should inform the
veterinarian about it. Deramaxx is an NSAID and it may interfere with drugs of the same
type. Examples of such drugs are Aspirin, Carprofen, or Etodolac. Other drugs may also
interact negatively with Deramaxx so be sure to inform the vet of any medication that
your dog is currently taking or has taken in the past.
Deramaxx is primarily created for canine arthritis. However, some dogs may develop a certain allergy to drugs of this type. If your dog is known to suffer adverse reactions from NSAID’s, the use of Deramaxx may not be advised.
Deramaxx is a good pain reliever for dogs suffering from arthritis and post-operative pain. However, it may require some time for your dog to experience healing. Relief may occur gradually in some dog breeds. The dosage and the effect of this drug differs from one pet to another. It is very important that pet owners follow the advice of the veterinarian. Failure to comply may cause the drug not to work as it should. As such, the relief that the drug produces may seem temporary as the pain comes back frequently.
Deramaxx is primarily created to provide relief for pets. As such, it will not work nor it is recommended for human use and consumption. Giving Deramaxx to other pets such as cats, horses, and other four-footed animals should only be done if it is cleared by the veterinarian.
Always put drugs where they are not accessible by children or pets. Keep the tablets in a cool, dry place. Never mix it with other drugs, especially those used by humans. If anyone takes Deramaxx by accident, call a physician right away for proper health assessment.
It is possible to further discuss the effects and benefits of Deramaxx with the vet
or a medical doctor. The pharmacist may also be of great help. However, the ultimate source
of information about this product will be the manufacturer, although they don't necessarily
prescribe modes of treatment directly. Everything should go through the veterinarian,
the expert who is in the position to check the overall health of your dog.