Robenacoxib

Robenacoxib is a coxib-class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in dogs and cats. Its principal applications are pain and inflammation associated with surgery, acute musculoskeletal disease and selected chronic osteoarthritis. Authorized indications differ by species, formulation and region, so its clinical role is defined by the corresponding veterinary product.

Group

COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Mechanism of Action

Robenacoxib preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 and reduces production of prostaglandins involved in inflammatory pain and swelling. Reduced prostaglandin-mediated sensitization of nociceptors produces analgesia, while suppression of local mediator effects reduces inflammation. Persistence at inflammatory sites can contribute to its clinical action despite relatively short blood exposure. Relative selectivity depends on the biological system and exposure.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days
Perioperative pain	2 mg/kg	SC	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; First dose approximately 30 minutes before surgery.
Chronic osteoarthritis	1–2 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Assess within 1 week; discontinue if no clinical response by 10 days and use the lowest effective long-term amount.

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Perioperative pain	2 mg/kg	SC	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; First dose approximately 30 minutes before surgery.
Pain and inflammation	1 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days
Acute musculoskeletal pain	6 mg/animal	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 6 days; Cats 2.5 kg to under 6 kg: one 6-mg tablet. Give without food or with a small amount of food; do not split tablets.
Acute musculoskeletal pain	12 mg/animal	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 6 days; Cats 6 kg to under 12 kg: two 6-mg tablets. Give without food or with a small amount of food; do not split tablets.

Indications

Control of postoperative pain and inflammation in dogs and cats with a corresponding product.
Treatment of acute painful musculoskeletal inflammation in dogs or cats where included in the product indication.
Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with chronic osteoarthritis in dogs using a product authorized for that purpose.
Selected longer-term treatment of painful feline musculoskeletal disease where supported by the product and clinical evidence.

Contraindications

GI disease, renal impairment or dehydration increase NSAID risk.
Do not use canine tablets in cats; injection is SC only.
Gastrointestinal ulceration, hypersensitivity and canine hepatic disease are listed contraindications; renal/cardiac impairment, hypovolemia, hypotension or feline hepatic dysfunction require particular caution. Observe an appropriate anti-inflammatory washout; a blanket 24-hour period may be insufficient for a long-acting prior drug.

Interactions

Do not combine with NSAIDs or corticosteroids; diuretics and ACE inhibitors can alter renal risk or response.
Other NSAIDs or corticosteroids increase GI risk; nephrotoxins and highly protein-bound drugs can increase adverse-effect risk. Use particular caution with methotrexate.

Adverse effects

Vomiting, soft stool, ulcers, renal injury and injection pain; liver enzyme elevations can occur.

Toxicity

Potential overdose injury involves GI tract, kidneys or liver. Stop further NSAID exposure, evaluate hydration/renal function and treat clinically significant abnormalities.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Onsior 6 mg Feline tablet; do not split or break. Select the applicable whole-tablet label regimen. Whole tablets only.	Tablet	6 mg / tablet	PO
Onsior 10 mg Canine tablet presentation; not for cats.	Tablet	10 mg / tablet	PO
Onsior 20 mg Canine tablet presentation; not for cats.	Tablet	20 mg / tablet	PO
Onsior 40 mg Canine tablet presentation; not for cats.	Tablet	40 mg / tablet	PO
Robenacoxib injection 20 mg/mL SC only; no IV or IM administration.	Injection	20 mg / mL	SC

Monitoring and Administration

Monitor GI bleeding, hydration and renal indices. Reported short perioperative course is 3 days; injection may start about 30 minutes before surgery. Longer courses discussed in studies are not inferred as universal label authorization.

Cited product storage: robenacoxib injection at 2-8 C in the outer carton; dog tablets no more than 25 C and feline tablets no more than 30 C. Product-specific instructions govern.