Hyperkalaemia after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats
154 reports to the FDA describe hyperkalaemia in cats given Meloxicam. That is 4.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
154Reports
21%Marked serious
7.8%Recovered
38%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
Sponsored
How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
About this medicine
Meloxicam relieves pain and inflammation.
Products with this ingredient include Metacam. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.
NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.
Questions owners ask
- Can Meloxicam cause hyperkalaemia in cats?
- 154 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
- How soon after a dose was it reported?
- In half of the reports with dates, it started within 2 days of the first dose.
- What should I do?
- Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).
Hyperkalaemia with similar medicines
- Hyperkalaemia after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 32 reports · 1.0% of its reports
- Hyperkalaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 20 reports · 1.2% of its reports
All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with hyperkalaemia