💊 NSAID / COX-2 Inhibitor

Deramaxx for Dogs Dosage Calculator

Precise deracoxib (Deramaxx) dosing for dogs by weight and indication — chronic pain management and post-operative analgesia with chewable tablet breakdown.

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Prescription NSAID — veterinary supervision required. Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or aspirin. Monitor for GI ulceration, hepatotoxicity, and renal injury. Requires baseline bloodwork before long-term use.

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About Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

Drug Class

Selective COX-2 Inhibitor — Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Mechanism of Action

Deracoxib selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while sparing COX-1, targeting the prostaglandin production pathway responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever. COX-2 selectivity provides some GI protection compared to non-selective NSAIDs, though GI risk still exists.

Primary Uses in Dogs

Osteoarthritis pain, post-operative orthopaedic pain (3–4 mg/kg for up to 7 days), and long-term management of chronic musculoskeletal pain (1–2 mg/kg q24h).

Dosing Quick Reference

Indication Dose Frequency
Post-op pain (short-term) 3–4 mg/kg q24h × ≤7 days
Osteoarthritis (long-term) 1–2 mg/kg q24h with food
Minimum dose 1 mg/kg q24h maintenance

Common Side Effects

  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, soft stools (most common)
  • GI ulceration and bleeding
  • Elevated liver enzymes (ALT)
  • Renal dysfunction with prolonged use or dehydration
  • Protein-losing enteropathy (rare)

Monitoring

ALT, BUN, creatinine every 6 months for chronic use. Urinalysis including urine specific gravity. Discontinue immediately if GI bleeding signs or anorexia/jaundice develop.

⚠️ Do not combine with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or aspirin. Ensure adequate hydration — NSAIDs can impair renal blood flow in dehydrated dogs. Baseline bloodwork (renal and hepatic) recommended before long-term use and every 6 months thereafter.

What Is Deracoxib (Deramaxx)?

Deracoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor approved by the FDA for control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and post-surgical orthopedic pain in dogs. By selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 while sparing COX-1, it reduces prostaglandin synthesis at sites of inflammation with reduced risk (compared to non-selective NSAIDs) of gastrointestinal mucosal damage.

Available as beef-flavoured chewable tablets in 12 mg, 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths, making dose titration convenient across a wide weight range.

Approved Indications and Dose Ranges

  • Osteoarthritis / chronic pain: 1–2 mg/kg PO q24h (long-term)
  • Post-operative orthopedic pain: 3–4 mg/kg PO q24h (max 7 days)
  • Dental/soft tissue post-op: 1–2 mg/kg PO q24h (max 3 days)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your dog’s body weight in kg or lbs
  2. Select the clinical indication (determines dose range)
  3. Choose the available tablet strength
  4. Click Calculate to see daily dose and tablet count
  5. Administer with food to reduce GI upset

🧮 Deracoxib Dose Calculator

Deracoxib Dosing Result

References

  1. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2018.
  2. Deramaxx (deracoxib) Prescribing Information. Elanco Animal Health; 2023.
  3. KuKanich B, et al. Pharmacokinetics of deracoxib in the dog. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2004;27(3):193-199.
  4. Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th ed. Elsevier; 2016.