Prednisone vs Dexamethasone in Dogs: Vet Comparison
Dexamethasone is about equivalent in dosage to prednisone in dogs, but about 30 to 40 times more potent than prednisolone [10][11]. In dogs, the labeled dexamethasone doses in the sources are 0.25 to 1 mg intravenously or intramuscularly, while no dog-specific prednisone dose is given in the cited material [10][12].
Prednisone and dexamethasone drug class
- Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and possesses glucocorticoid activity [11].
- Dexamethasone: In dogs, dexamethasone is found to be about equivalent in dosage to prednisone but about 30 to 40 times more potent than prednisolone [11].
- Prednisone: One 5 mg prednisone delayed-release tablet is listed as equivalent to dexamethasone 0.75 mg in the corticosteroid comparison chart [2].
- Prednisone: The same chart lists prednisone 5 mg as the comparator dose for prednisone delayed-release tablets [2].
Dog dosing comparison for both steroids
| Drug | Species | Dose | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexamethasone | Dogs | 0.25 to 1 mg | intravenously or intramuscularly | The dose may be repeated for three to five days or until a response is noted [10]. |
| Dexamethasone 5 | Dogs | 0.25 to 1.0 mg | IV or IM | The dose may be repeated if necessary [12]. |
What each steroid is used for in dogs
- Dexamethasone: In dogs, dexamethasone is presented as a rapid glucocorticoid and/or anti-inflammatory agent [11].
- Dexamethasone: The dexamethasone sodium phosphate product is indicated as a rapid adrenal glucocorticoid and/or anti-inflammatory agent in horses, but the cited dog dosage information is still given for dogs [11].
- Prednisone: The cited prednisone delayed-release tablet information is for rheumatoid arthritis in patients, not for dogs [2].
Safety concerns for prednisone and dexamethasone
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets: common adverse reactions can include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite, and weight gain [2].
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets: patients should be told to withdraw the medicine gradually if discontinuing long-term or high-dose therapy [2].
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets: the tablets should be taken daily with food and swallowed whole, not broken, divided, or chewed [2].
- Dexamethasone injection: therapy should be individualized according to the severity of the condition, anticipated duration of steroid therapy, and the animal's threshold or tolerance for steroid excess [5].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: in infections characterized by overwhelming toxicity, therapy should be given with indicated antibacterial therapy, and the causative organism must be known [11].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: injudicious use of adrenal hormones in animals with infections can be hazardous [11].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: after prolonged corticosteroid administration, the daily dose should be reduced gradually over a number of days in stepwise fashion [11].
Contraindications and cautions in dogs
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets: the source gives dosing instructions, food administration, and gradual withdrawal, but it does not provide dog-specific contraindications in the cited text [2].
- Dexamethasone injection: treatment should be individualized to the condition being treated, the anticipated duration of steroid therapy, and the animal's threshold or tolerance for steroid excess [5].
- Dexamethasone injection: treatment may be changed over from any other glucocorticoid with proper reduction or adjustment of dosage [5].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: in infections characterized by overwhelming toxicity, the causative organism should be known and an effective antibacterial agent should be administered concurrently [11].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: the source warns that injudicious use of adrenal hormones in animals with infections can be hazardous [11].
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate: when therapy is withdrawn after prolonged corticosteroid administration, the daily dose should be reduced gradually over a number of days in stepwise fashion [11].
Main differences vets should note
- In dogs, dexamethasone is described as approximately equivalent in dosage to prednisone, but about 30 to 40 times more potent than prednisolone [11].
- In dogs, the dexamethasone dose required is marked lower than the dose required for prednisone and prednisolone [5][12].
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets are given once per day, should be taken daily with food, and should be swallowed whole without breaking, dividing, or chewing [2].
- Dog-labelled prednisolone tablets are given orally at 0.1 – 2.0 mg prednisolone per kg body weight per day, and treatment should not be withdrawn suddenly [9].
- Dexamethasone Injection 2 mg/mL is given to bovine at 5 to 20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate is given to dogs at 0.25 to 1 mg intravenously as the initial dosage; the dose may be repeated for three to five days or until a response is noted [5][10].
- Dexamethasone therapy should be reduced gradually over a number of days in a stepwise fashion after prolonged corticosteroid administration, and prednisolone tablets should not be withdrawn suddenly; a gradual reduction of dosage is recommended [9][10].
Frequently asked questions
How do prednisone and dexamethasone compare in dogs by potency and dose?
What is dexamethasone used for in dogs?
What are the main safety concerns when using prednisone or dexamethasone in dogs?
How should corticosteroid therapy be stopped after prolonged use in dogs?
After prolonged corticosteroid administration, the daily dose should be reduced gradually over a number of days in stepwise fashion [11]. Dexamethasone therapy should be reduced gradually over a number of days in a stepwise fashion after prolonged corticosteroid administration, and prednisolone tablets should not be withdrawn suddenly; a gradual reduction of dosage is recommended [9][10].
What cautions apply when using these steroids in dogs with infections?
References
- Pharmacology Review(s) - accessdata.fda.gov
Passage read from this source
Ophthalmoscopy Dexamethasone treatment was associated with an increase in “sluggish to absent” pupillary light reflex (PLR) in females on D14 and D35, compared to the placebo plugs. o This finding is presumably related to the increased ocular discharge for dexamethasone-treated females compared to placebo-treated females. No other treatment-related findings were apparent. Fundoscopy was performed prior to dosing (D1) and D35 Other ophthalmic examinations) were performed pre-dose on D1, D14 and D35: slit lamp biomicroscopy (to examine the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, anterior chamber, and lens), assessment of the corneal surface using fluorescein stain), and tonometry. Eyes were scored using a ‘combined Draize and McDonald- Shadduck scoring system’ 24 Reference ID: 3957044
Exposure margins can 扥 estimated: � Table 21: Expos ure margin estimates for the GLP dog study (report TR0161) Dose basis Female dog dose Human dose Exposure margin* µg/eye 718.5 400 1.80 x µg/ kg 110.4535 [using a body weight of 6.505 kg] 6.667 [assuming a human body weight of 60 kg] 16.6 x µg/m2 2209.07 [usi ng a conversion factor of 20 for the dog] 246.667 [using a conversion factor of 37 for adult humans] 8.96 x *Note: this table calculates the exposure margin for dosing one patient eye, compared to dosing one dog eye. The dexamethasone-treated dogs were actually dosed in both eyes Notes regardi ng the dexamethasone USP drug substance � T he application relies on the…
Dogs received punctum implants, either placebo or containing dexamethasone. Some dogs (unclear) received replacement plugs. On D35, the plugs were removed. 5/sex/dose were necropsied on D36, and 3/sex/dose were necropsied on D49.
This reviewer is uncertain if the test article contained conjugated fluorescein, and theoretically confounding might have occurred, but this does not appear to be an issue for this study. • “Conjunctival congestion, discharge, and sluggish to absent pupillary light reflex (PLR).” “Mild conjunctival congestion (score of 1) and mild discharge (score of 1) noted in some animals across all groups.” The authors did not consider these effects adverse. • No adverse findings in the posterior segments of the eyes for any of the dogs were detected. • No clear effect on IOP. The authors note a slight increased in females on D35 for the test article plug B compared to the control plug B. The authors conclude, and this reviewer…
- prednisone tablet, delayed release - DailyMed - NIH
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Individualize dosing based on disease severity and patient response. The timing of administration should take into account the delayed-release pharmacokinetics and the disease or condition being treated (2, 12.1): - Initial dose: Prednisone delayed-release tablets 5 mg administered once per day. Patients currently on immediate-release prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone should be switched to prednisone delayed-release tablets at an equivalent dose based on relative potency. (2.1, 2.4) - Maintenance dose: Use lowest dosage that will maintain an adequate clinical response. (2.1) - Discontinuation: Withdraw gradually if discontinuing long-term or high-dose therapy. (2.1) - Prednisone delayed-release tablets should be taken daily with food. (2.3, 12.3) - Prednisone delayed-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, divided, or chewed. (2.3)
For the purpose of comparison, one 5 mg prednisone delayed-release tablet is the equivalent milligram dosage of the following various corticosteroids: Betamethasone, 0.75 mg | Paramethasone, 2 mg | Cortisone, 25 mg | Prednisolone, 5 mg | Dexamethasone, 0.75 mg | Prednisone, 5 mg | Hydrocortisone, 20 mg | Triamcinolone, 4 mg | Methylprednisolone, 4 mg | | These dose relationships apply only to oral or intravenous administration of these compounds. When these substances or their derivatives are injected intramuscularly or into joint spaces, their relative properties may be greatly altered. - 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Delayed-release Tablets - Prednisone delayed release tablets, 1 mg: White to off-white colored, round, unscored, delayed release tablet, debossed with "1" on one…
The percentage of patients with improvement in rheumatoid arthritis at 12 weeks using ACR response criteria (ACR20) was assessed as the primary endpoint, and ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 responses for patients treated with prednisone delayed-release tablets 5 mg versus placebo are shown in Table 1. The relative efficacy of prednisone delayed-release tablets compared to immediate-release prednisone has not been established. Table 1. ACR Responses (Percentage of Patients) ACR Response at 12 Weeks | Prednisone delayed-release tablets 5 mg | Placebo | Prednisone delayed-release tablets 5 mg – Placebo (95% CI) | N = 231 | N = 119 | | All missing values were imputed as non-responders. | ACR20 | 47% | 29% | 17% (7.2, 27.6) | ACR50 |…
- For missed doses, patients should be told to take the missed dose as soon as they remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the medicine taken at the next regularly schedule time. Patients should not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose. - Patients should be told to take prednisone delayed-release tablets with food. Patients should be advised not to break, divide, or chew prednisone delayed-release tablets. - Patients should be advised of common adverse reactions that could occur with prednisone delayed-release tablets use to include fluid retention, alteration in glucose tolerance, elevation in blood pressure, behavioral and mood changes, increased appetite and weight gain.
- Bimasone (flumethasone) 0.5 mg/mL for Animal Use
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Veterinary experimental studies utilizing the eosinophil depression test in normal dogs and blood glucose elevation and eosinophil depression in normal cattle as parameters of drug activity, in comparison tests involving prednisone and dexamethasone, indicate that flumethasone possesses greater anti-inflammatory and gluconeogenic activity than these compounds, on an equivalent basis. Clinical evidence of drug potency obtained during evaluation of the compound and based upon effective drug dosage levels further substantiates the above experimental findings. General Effects of Adrenocorticoids The adrenocorticoids are divided into two main classes: mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, based on their major physiologic and pharmacologic actions.
Intralesional dosages in the dog have ranged from 0.125 to 1 mg depending on the size and location of the lesion under treatment. Intra-articular dosages in the dog have ranged from 0.166 to 1 mg depending on the severity of the condition under treatment and the size of the involved joint. Feline: 0.03125 to 0.125 mg by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. If necessary, the dose may be repeated. With chronic conditions, the preceding injectable doses may be used and oral maintenance therapy with flumethasone tablets instituted at a daily dosage of 0.03125 to 0.125 mg. NOTE: The use of a microsyringe or standard tuberculin syringe may facilitate the accurate administration of small amounts of the drug. If desired, therapy…
- November 4, 2002
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One dog was inadvertently treated with approximately 8 times the maximum allowable dosage of triamcinolone for the first week of the study. The owner reported that the dog licked some of the medication off its skin. The only reported adverse effects were polyuria and polydipsia present primarily during the first week during the twice daily treatment period. The signs decreased during the once daily treatment period and were resolved during the every other day treatment period. V. Animal safety A. Study to Determine Comparative Percutaneous Absorption of RMS Laboratories’ Triamcinolone Acetonide Non-aerosol Pump to that of a Cream Formulation of Triamcinolone Acetonide Type of study: Laboratory study Investigator (s): Larry R. Cruthers, Ph.D. Professional Laboratory a nd Research Services, Inc.…
d. Triamcinolone acetonide (0.1%) was applied into the external ear canal of four dogs (weight range of 9.2 to 17.6 kg) with norma l ears. 1 mg triamcinolone was applied to each ear twice daily for three weeks. The equivalent daily dose ranged from 0.2- 0.4 mg/kg. No adverse reactions were observed in the external ear canal and no overt clinical signs of pathology were observed. Plasma cortisol and ACTH- FOI Summary Genesis™ Topical Spray RMS Laboratories, Inc.
Conclusion: Triamcinolone topical spray may be systemically absorbed and adversely affect the HPA axis. In order to minimize the likelihood for these effects, the product labeling provides for the following safeguards: 1) a dosing chart provides for a maximum allowable dosage of 0.1 mg/kg over the entire dosing period, 2) the dose is tapered from twice daily, to once daily and to once every other day and 3) the maximum treatment duration is limited to 28 days. This dosing regimen proved both clinically safe and effective in the well-controlled field study. Citations 1. K. J. Kripalani, A. I. Cohen, I. Weliky, E. C. Schreiber. “Metabolism of triamcinolone acetonide-21-phosphate in dogs, monkeys and rats.” 1975. J. Pharm. Sci. 64:1351-1359. 2. R.…
3. R.C. Thomas, D. Logas, L. Radosta, J. Harrison. “Effects of a 1% Hydrocortisone Conditioner on Hem atologic and Biochemical Parameters, Adrenal Function Testing, and Cutaneous Reactivity to Histamine in Normal and Pruritic Dogs.” 2000. Veterinary Therapeutics 1/1, 25-34. 4. J. M. Rewerts, A. M. Grooters, J. T. Payne, J. N. Kornegay . “Atraumatic rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle after corticosteroid administration in a dog.” 1997. JAVMA 210:655-657. 5. R. J. Kemppainen, M. D. Lorenz, F. N. Thompson. “Adrenocortical suppression in the dog given a single intramuscular dose of a prednisone or triamcinolone acetonide.” 1982. Am. J. Vet. Res. 42:204-206. 6. R. D. Zenoble and R. J. Kemppainen. “Adrenocortical suppression by topically applied corticosteroids in healthy dogs.” 1987. JAVMA 191:685-688.
- Dexamethasone Injection - 2 mg/mL
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DEXAMETHASONE STERILE INJECTION Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-324 Dexamethasone Injection 2 mg/mL Solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection Veterinary Not for Use in Humans Keep Out of Reach of Children CAUTION Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. DESCRIPTION DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL is a synthetic analogue of prednisolone, having similar but more potent anti-inflammatory therapeutic action and diversified hormonal and metabolic effects. Modification of the basic corticoid structure as achieved in DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL offers enhanced anti-inflammatory effect compared to older corticosteroids. The dosage of DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL required is markedly lower than that of prednisone and prednisolone.
Therapy with DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL, as with any other potent corticosteroid, should be individualized according to the severity of the condition being treated, anticipated duration of steroid therapy, and teh animal's threshold or tolerance for steroid excess. Treatment may be changed over to DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION2 mg/mL from any other glucocorticoid with proper reduction or adjustment of dosage. Bovine - DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL - 5 to 20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly. Dexamethasone Powder may be administered or the parenteral dose repeated as needed. Equine - DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL - 2.5 to 5 mg intravenously or intramuscularly. Dexamethasone Powder may be administered or the parenteral dose repeated as needed.
- Label: PREDNISTAB- prednisolone tablet - DailyMed
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Important: In the therapeutic management of animal patients with chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, prednisolone should be regarded as a highly valuable adjunct, to be used in conjunction with, but not as replacement for, standard therapeutic measures. - DOSAGE 2.5 mg per 10 lb (4.5 kg) body weight per day. Average total daily oral doses for dogs as follows: 5 to 20 lb (2 to 9 kg) body weight | 1.25 to 5 mg | 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) body weight | 5 to 10 mg | 40 to 80 lb (18 to 36 kg) body weight | 10 to 20 mg | 80 to 160 lb (36 to 73 kg) body weight | 20…
- Depo-Medrol®
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The average initial dose for a large synovial space in dogs is 20 mg. Smaller spaces will require a correspondingly lesser dose.
- Prednicortone® 5 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats
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Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, are known to exert a wide range of side effects. Whilst single high doses are generally well tolerated, they may induce severe side-effects in long term use. Dosage in medium to long term use should therefore generally be kept to the minimum necessary to control symptoms. The significant dose related cortisol suppression noticed during therapy is a result of effective doses suppressing the hypothalamo-pituitreal adrenal axis. Following cessation of treatment, signs of adrenal insufficiency extending to adrenocortical atrophy can arise and this may render the animal unable to deal adequately with stressful situations. Consideration should therefore be given to means of minimising problems of adrenal insufficiency following the withdrawal of treatment.
- label - Veterinary Medicines Directorate
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Revised: August 2023 AN: 00184/2023 Page 1 of 7 PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATE PACKAGE - LABEL 1. NAME OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT Prednisolone 5 mg tablets 2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE AND OTHER SUBSTANCES Each tablet contains 5 mg Prednisolone. 3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 4. PACKAGE SIZE 250 Tablets 5. TARGET SPECIES 6. INDICATION(S) For the treatment and control of inflammatory and allergic conditions in cats and dogs. 7. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION For oral administration only. Dose – 0,1 – 2.0 mg Prednisolone per kg body weight per day. The tablets are divisible. The lowest effective dose must be used. Note: These tablets are not appropriate when dosing cats and small dogs at the lower recommended dosage…
Revised: August 2023 AN: 00184/2023 Page 4 of 7 PACKAGE LEAFLET FOR: Prednisolone 5 mg Tablets 1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER AND OF THE MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE, IF DIFFERENT Dechra Limited Snaygill Industrial Estate Keighley Road Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 2RW United Kingdom 2. NAME OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT Prednisolone 5 mg tablets 3. STATEMENT OF THE ACTIVE SUBSTANCE (S) AND OTHER INGREDIENTS White, circular, flat faced tablets. Each tablet contains: Active substance: Prednisolone 5 mg. 4. INDICATION(S) For the treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases, including some autoimmune diseases and some neoplastic conditions in cats and dogs. Inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune processes may be involved in cutaneous, alimentary, respiratory, musculo-skeletal…
Revised: August 2023 AN: 00184/2023 Page 5 of 7 Corticosteroid therapy may lead to increased time in the healing of wounds and to a reduction in the ability of the body to resist infection. Appropriate anti-infective therapy may be required. 7. TARGET SPECIES 8. DOSAGE FOR EACH SPECIES, ROUTE(S) AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION For oral administration only. Dose: Dogs and cats: 0.1 – 2.0 mg prednisolone per kg body weight per day. The tablets are divisible. The lowest effective dose must be used. These tablets are not appropriate when dosing cats and small dogs at the lower recommended dosage rates and another tablet strength may be required. Treatment should not be withdrawn suddenly. A gradual reduction of dosage is recommended.…
- Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection
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**ACTIONS:** Dexamethasone as a steroid is equivalent in potency to some established steroids and considerably more potent than others. In the case of the dog, dexamethasone is approximately equivalent in dosage to prednisone, but about 30 to 40 times more potent than prednisolone. DSP is especially well suited for intravenous use in situations requiring a rapid and intense glucocorticoid and/or anti-inflammatory effect.
For intravenous use only **DOGS** - 0.25 to 1 mg intravenously as the initial dosage. (Based on 3 mg per mL of dexamethasone.) The dose may be repeated for three to five days or until a response is noted. **HORSES** - 2.5 to 5 mg intravenously. (Based on 3 mg per mL of dexamethasone.) If permanent corticosteroid effect is required, oral therapy with dexamethasone may be substituted. When therapy is to be withdrawn after prolonged corticosteroid administration, the daily dose should be reduced gradually over a number of days in a stepwise fashion.
- Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (a synthetic ...
Passage read from this source
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and possesses glucocorticoid activity. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a salt of dexamethasone that is particularly suitable for intravenous administration because it is highly water soluble, permitting administration of relatively large doses in a small volume of diluent. Dexamethasone, as a steroid, is equivalent in potency to some established steroids while being considerably more potent than others. In the case of the dog, dexamethasone is found to be about equivalent in dosage to prednisone but about 30 to 40 times more potent than prednisolone. INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Dexamethasone-SP (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) is indicated as a rapid adrenal glucocorticoid and/or anti-inflammatory agent in horses.
In infections characterized by overwhelming toxicity, dexamethasone sodium phosphate therapy, in conjunction with indicated antibacterial therapy, is effective in reducing mortality. It is essential that the causative organism be known and an effective antibacterial agent be administered concurrently. The injudicious use of adrenal hormones in animals with infections can be hazardous. Use of corticosteroids, depending on dose, duration and specific steroid, may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production following drug withdrawal. In patients presently receiving or recently withdrawn from systemic corticosteroid treatments, therapy with a rapidly acting corticosteroid should be considered in unusually stressful situations. ADVERSE REACTIONS:
To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Bimeda, Inc. at 1-888-524-6332. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at https://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: For Intravenous Use Only. Horses: The usual intravenous dosage is 2.5 to 5 mg (based on 3 mg per mL of dexamethasone content). If permanent corticosteroid effect is required, oral therapy with dexamethasone may be substituted. When therapy is to be withdrawn after prolonged corticosteroid administration, the daily dose should be reduced gradually over a number of days, in stepwise fashion. HOW SUPPLIED: Dexamethasone-SP (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) 4 mg/mL (equivalent to 3 mg/mL dexamethasone)…
- Dexamethasone 5 for Animal Use (Canada)
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This treatment applies to the following species: * Beef Cattle * Cats * Dairy Cattle * Dogs * Horses Company: Vetoquinol **Dexamethasone Injectable Sterile Solution, USP** **VETERINARY USE ONLY** DIN 00598542 **DESCRIPTION: Dexamethasone 5 contains dexamethasone,** a synthetic analogue of prednisolone having similar but more potent anti-inflammatory therapeutic action and different hormonal and metabolic effects. As with any drug, animals receiving **Dexamethasone 5** should be kept under close observation and the dosages recommended should not be exceeded. All cautions and contraindications for adrenocortical hormones apply to this drug. The dosage of **Dexamethasone 5** required is markedly lower than that of prednisolone. The sections on indications, dosage, and cautions should be read before this drug is used. **ACTIVE INGREDIENTS (per mL):**
Therapy with **Dexamethasone 5** should be individualised according to the severity of the condition being treated, anticipated duration of steroid therapy and the patient’s threshold or tolerance for steroid excess. The lowest dose that will offer adequate relief in chronic conditions should be the dose employed. Large doses, however, may be necessary and in such instance, the patient must be closely observed for the occurrence of adverse reactions. Acute conditions sometimes demand the use of higher doses for a short period of time to achieve appropriate relief. **Dosage:**
| | | | --- | --- | | Dogs: | 0.25 to 1.0 mg IV or IM. The dose may be repeated if necessary. | | Cats: | 0.125 to 0.5 mg IV or IM. The dose may be repeated if necessary. | | Horses: | 2.0 to 5.0 mg IV or IM. The dose may be repeated if necessary. | | Cattle: | 5.0 to 20.0 mg IV or IM. The dose may be repeated if necessary. | When using **Dexamethasone 5** as supportive therapy in horses, dogs and cats, the doses suggested above may be used. The use of this product for the above-mentioned conditions does not preclude the necessity for using complementary therapy to treat the…
**CAUTIONS:** All of the cautions and contraindications for adrenocortical hormones must be followed, taking into consideration that the warning signs of cortisone overdosage such as sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, weight gain, etc. may not be present. Animals receiving the drug should be under close observation to detect these possible adverse reactions. When adverse reactions occur, it may be necessary to reduce the dose of the drug or to discontinue therapy. Continuous large doses of dexamethasone may result in some depression of adrenal corticoid function and may produce adrenal atrophy. Therefore, after long-term therapy, the drug should be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.