Meloxicam for Green Iguanas
Reptile · Iguana iguana · typical adult weight 1.00–5.00 kg
Meloxicam is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg IV See source in green iguanas, per Divers SJ, Papich M, McBride M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam following intravenous and oral administration in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Am J Vet Res. 2010 Nov;71(11):1277-1283. doi:10.2460/ajvr.71.11.1277. PMID: 21034318. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21034318/. Meloxicam is used in green iguanas for NSAID (analgesia/anti-inflammatory) - pharmacokinetic parameters reported. Routes documented in green iguanas: IV, PO. A typical adult green iguana weighs 1.00–5.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Meloxicam in green iguanas, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Metacam
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 0.2 mg/kg | See source | — | Weak | Divers SJ, Papich M, McBride M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam following intravenous and oral administration in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Am J Vet Res. 2010 Nov;71(11):1277-1283. doi:10.2460/ajvr.71.11.1277. PMID: 21034318. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21034318/ |
| IV | 0.2 mg/kg | single dose | NSAID (analgesia/anti-inflammatory) - pharmacokinetic parameters reported | Weak | A critical review on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid drugs used in reptiles. Vet Anim Sci. 2022;17:100267. PMID: 36043206; PMCID: PMC9420515; DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100267. (Table 8; original data cited as Divers et al., 2010) URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9420515/ |
| PO | 0.2 mg/kg | See source | — | Weak | Divers SJ, Papich M, McBride M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam following intravenous and oral administration in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Am J Vet Res. 2010 Nov;71(11):1277-1283. doi:10.2460/ajvr.71.11.1277. PMID: 21034318. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21034318/ |
| PO | 0.2 mg/kg | single dose | NSAID (analgesia/anti-inflammatory) - pharmacokinetic parameters reported | Weak | A critical review on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid drugs used in reptiles. Vet Anim Sci. 2022;17:100267. PMID: 36043206; PMCID: PMC9420515; DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100267. (Table 8; original data cited as Divers et al., 2010) URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9420515/ |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your green iguana's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Preferential COX-2 inhibitor, reducing prostaglandin synthesis. Provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.
Side effects & warnings
Use with extreme caution in cats (single SC dose labeled; repeated oral use controversial). GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for green iguanas may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Meloxicam for Green Iguanas?
Meloxicam dose ranges in green iguanas, with cited source references: IV 0.2 mg/kg See source; IV 0.2 mg/kg single dose; PO 0.2 mg/kg See source; PO 0.2 mg/kg single dose.
How is Meloxicam administered in Green Iguanas?
Documented routes for Meloxicam in green iguanas: IV, PO.
What conditions does Meloxicam treat in Green Iguanas?
Meloxicam is indicated in green iguanas for: NSAID (analgesia/anti-inflammatory) - pharmacokinetic parameters reported.
What are the side effects of Meloxicam in Green Iguanas?
These are general warnings for Meloxicam across species; consult the green iguana dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Use with extreme caution in cats (single SC dose labeled; repeated oral use controversial). GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Other Analgesic drugs with green iguana dosing
Meloxicam dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Meloxicam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in green iguanas — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.