Bonhans: Uses, dosage, side effects, warnings & patient reviews

What is Bonhans (meloxicam)?

Bonhans contains meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class. Meloxicam works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.

Bonhans is a prescription veterinary medication indicated for use in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. The oral suspension formulation is used when accurate weight-based dosing is needed.

Meloxicam is generally described as a preferential COX-2 inhibitor rather than a completely COX-2-specific drug. This may help explain why it is widely used in canine osteoarthritis, but it does not eliminate the possibility of gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, or other NSAID-related adverse effects. For general background on medication classes, see the pain relief medication category and the arthritis medication category.

This page discusses a veterinary meloxicam product. It should not be interpreted as advice about human meloxicam products or as support for using a human NSAID in place of a veterinary prescription.

General Instructions for Bonhans Administration

Bonhans must be used under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. The following information is for reference only and does not replace species-specific veterinary dosing instructions.

Dosage and Administration

The standard meloxicam regimen for dogs begins with an initial loading dose on day 1 followed by a lower once-daily maintenance dose. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with the individual dog’s response.

When using the oral suspension, the measuring device supplied with the product should always be used. Accuracy is especially important in small dogs.

For dogs weighing less than 10 pounds (4.5 kg), the liquid should be administered on food rather than directly into the mouth. The medication may be given with or without food, but administration with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Duration of Treatment

The duration of Bonhans therapy is determined by the prescribing veterinarian based on the dog’s clinical response and risk profile. For chronic osteoarthritis, longer use may be appropriate with regular reassessment and monitoring.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not give a double dose.

Side Effects of Bonhans in Dogs

As with other NSAIDs, Bonhans (meloxicam) can cause adverse reactions. Pet owners should be informed about warning signs of gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and behavioral intolerance.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in dogs receiving meloxicam include vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Other reported signs may include lethargy, incoordination, changes in drinking or urination, and skin changes such as redness or scratching.

For general background on how medicine side effects are described on iMedix, see this guide to side effects.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Serious NSAID-related adverse reactions can occur without warning and, in rare cases, may be fatal. These include:

• Gastrointestinal ulceration, perforation, or bleeding, which may appear as black, tarry, or bloody stool, vomiting blood, or marked abdominal pain
• Acute kidney injury, with signs such as increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, or poor appetite
• Hepatic injury, which may present as jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite

Emergency Signs

Stop Bonhans and contact a veterinarian immediately if any of the following develop: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased urination, pale gums, yellowing of gums or eyes, lethargy, incoordination, seizures, or unusual behavior changes.

Uses of Bonhans (meloxicam)

Bonhans (meloxicam) is a prescription veterinary NSAID with a specific approved use in dogs.

Approved Indication in Dogs

Meloxicam oral suspension is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease that can cause stiffness, reduced mobility, limping, and pain.

Clinical Role in Canine Osteoarthritis

In canine osteoarthritis, meloxicam is used to reduce pain and inflammation and may improve comfort and mobility. It does not cure osteoarthritis or reverse joint degeneration.

Limitations of Use

Bonhans is for dogs only. It is not a general-purpose anti-inflammatory product for all species, and it should not be assumed appropriate for cats or other animals simply because they may also experience pain or arthritis. Any use outside labeled canine osteoarthritis management should be considered veterinarian-directed and case-specific.

Important Safety Concerns and Considerations

Several clinically important safety concerns must be considered when using Bonhans (meloxicam) in dogs.

Nephrotoxicity Risk

NSAIDs can reduce renal blood flow and may contribute to kidney injury, especially in dehydrated dogs or in those with pre-existing renal compromise. Changes in thirst, urination, appetite, or energy level may be early warning signs.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

As a class, NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation. These serious adverse events can occur with or without clear warning signs. Black, tarry stool; vomiting blood; or severe abdominal distress are urgent warning signs.

Hepatic Toxicity

Liver-related adverse effects can occur during NSAID therapy. Jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and unusual weakness should prompt immediate veterinary review.

Platelet Function and Bleeding Risk

NSAIDs may affect hemostasis and can increase bleeding risk, particularly when used with anticoagulants or in dogs with existing bleeding tendencies.

Human and Cross-Species Safety

Bonhans should never be given to people, and it should not be shared with other pets in the household. On a human-health website such as iMedix, this distinction is especially important: a veterinary meloxicam product is not interchangeable with a human meloxicam product or another pet’s prescription.

Critical Warnings for Bonhans (meloxicam) Use

Do Not Use in Cats

Bonhans oral suspension is for dogs only. Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to meloxicam
• Current use of aspirin, another NSAID, or a corticosteroid unless specifically directed by the veterinarian

Major Precautions

• Use has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 6 months of age
• Use has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
• Meloxicam is not recommended in dogs with bleeding disorders because safety has not been established in that population
• Dogs should be assessed for gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and concurrent-medication risks before treatment starts

Monitoring Recommendations

Dogs receiving Bonhans should be evaluated before treatment and monitored during therapy, especially if treatment is prolonged or if the dog has relevant comorbidities. Periodic bloodwork may be appropriate during long-term use.

Safe Storage and Disposal

Store Bonhans at room temperature, protected from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children and animals. Unused or expired medication should be discarded according to veterinary or pharmacy guidance. For general home medicine-storage context, see safe medication disposal.

Dosage Information for Bonhans (meloxicam) in Dogs

The following dosage information reflects standard meloxicam oral suspension guidance for dogs. Final dosing must always be determined by a licensed veterinarian.

Dosage Administration Instructions

• Shake the oral suspension well before each use.
• Use the product-specific dosing syringe or measuring device supplied with the medicine.
• For dogs under 10 lbs (4.5 kg), administer the liquid on food rather than directly into the mouth.
• The suspension may be given with food or placed directly into the mouth, depending on body size and the veterinarian’s instructions.
• Extra care should be taken with small dogs to avoid accidental overdosing.

Dosage Considerations for Special Populations

• Puppies under 6 months: Safety has not been evaluated.
• Geriatric dogs: Standard dosing may still be used, but closer monitoring is often appropriate.
• Dogs with renal, hepatic, or GI risk: Therapy requires individualized veterinary assessment.

Drug Interactions with Bonhans (meloxicam)

Meloxicam can interact with several other medications. A complete list of all medicines, supplements, and recent treatments should be reviewed by the veterinarian before Bonhans is started.

Additional Information

Storage Instructions

Bonhans oral suspension should be stored at room temperature, protected from excessive light and moisture, with the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Any unused suspension should be discarded according to veterinary or pharmacy guidance.

Pharmacokinetic Properties

Meloxicam is well absorbed after oral administration in dogs, is highly protein-bound, and has a relatively long elimination half-life that supports once-daily dosing. It is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through both feces and urine.

Regulatory Status

Meloxicam oral suspension is approved in the United States for dogs. FDA labeling for meloxicam products also includes a boxed warning regarding repeated use in cats because of the risk of acute renal failure and death. Bonhans should be dispensed only through lawful veterinary prescribing channels.

Reporting Adverse Reactions

Suspected adverse reactions should be reported to the prescribing veterinarian. In the United States, animal drug adverse events can also be reported to the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine.

References and Medical Sources

The information on this page is compiled from FDA-approved veterinary labeling, FDA safety communications, veterinary reference sources, and peer-reviewed literature.

1. DailyMed. Meloxidyl (meloxicam oral suspension) for dogs. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3bb654ae-558d-42d9-9a0d-640a86ab3046
2. DailyMed. Client Information Sheet: Meloxicam Oral Suspension for oral use in dogs only. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=0f0da6f3-9163-4d7f-aee3-45ccc7ff723f
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information About the Boxed Warning on Meloxicam Labels Regarding Safety Risks in Cats. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/information-about-boxed-warning-meloxicam-labels-regarding-safety-risks-cats
4. Merck Veterinary Manual. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals
5. Peterson KD, Keefe TJ. Effects of meloxicam on severity of lameness and other clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004;225(7):1056-1060. DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.1056
6. Wernham BGJ, Trumpatori B, Hash J, et al. Dose reduction of meloxicam in dogs with osteoarthritis-associated pain and impaired mobility. J Vet Intern Med. 2011;25(6):1298-1305. DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00825.x
7. Gruen ME, Lascelles BDX, Colleran E, et al. 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2022;58(2):55-76. DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7292

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not self-medicate based on the information presented on this site. Always consult with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health.