Metacam dosage gap

[Elephonty]

I am supposed to be going out today with family but my guinea pig is on meds including metacam. This would mean having to give the metacam 9 hours after his morning dose, is this safe? or should I hold off plans? I know the normal gap is 12 hours!

 

[YvonneBlue]

I have occasionally given meds early when I have had to go out in the evening. It never seems to have caused a problem.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m sure it will be ok too. Have a lovely time with your family.

 

[Elephonty]

Thank you! I managed to push it back a tad so the gap is smaller, this little guy runs my life! Wouldn't have it any other way though

 

[Wiebke]

I am supposed to be going out today with family but my guinea pig is on meds including metacam. This would mean having to give the metacam 9 hours after his morning dose, is this safe? or should I hold off plans? I know the normal gap is 12 hours!

Hi

It is OK; life happens.

Like with all meds you have to give twice daily, you ideally keep the gap as close to 12 hours as possible under the circumstances, whether that is by moving the dosage forward or back. Once you get to a less than a 4-6 hours gap, consider skipping it altogether and only go with the single dose on the day to avoid overdosing on a double dose. Giving double once a day doesn't prolong the time the medication is working in the body, if that makes sense to you?

The same goes for human medication like antibiotics, painkiller etc. where maintaining a steady supply is key to treatment and double doses are not recommended. You can usually find similar advice on the medical leaflet that comes with your own tablets.

 

[Elephonty]

Hi

It is OK; life happens.

Like with all meds you have to give twice daily, you ideally keep the gap as close to 12 hours as possible under the circumstances, whether that is by moving the dosage forward or back. Once you get to a less than a 4-6 hours gap, consider skipping it altogether and only go with the single dose on the day to avoid overdosing on a double dose. Giving double once a day doesn't prolong the time the medication is working in the body, if that makes sense to you?

The same goes for human medication like antibiotics, painkiller etc. where maintaining a steady supply is key to treatment and double doses are not recommended. You can usually find similar advice on the medical leaflet that comes with your own tablets.

Thank you! It certainly does make sense. I normally follow a tight schedule so all plans revolve around woody's medicine, i even didnt go on holiday this year as i couldnt find anyone i would trust to stick to his schedule and monitor his urinary health

I managed to push back plans for another hour and a half so the gap is considerably less now, I definitely wouldn't go below 8 as I don't want to risk it anyhow!