# Azium (Dexamethasone) Dose for Cattle & Horses: Strengths & Dose Calculator

> Azium solution is dexamethasone 2 mg/mL. It is labelled for primary bovine ketosis and as an anti-inflammatory in cattle and horses: cattle 5–20 mg and horses 2.5–5 mg IV or IM.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/vet-products/azium-dexamethasone/
- Type: Vet product
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Azium solution is dexamethasone 2 mg/mL [1]. It is labelled for primary bovine ketosis and as an anti-inflammatory in cattle and horses: cattle 5–20 mg and horses 2.5–5 mg IV or IM [1].

- Brand: Azium
- Contains: Dexamethasone
- Company: Schering-Plough Animal Health
- Label species: Cattle, Horses
- Data from: USA (FDA label)

## What Azium is used for

(Dexamethasone)
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats; primary ketosis in cattle [3].
- Induction of parturition in cattle [3].

## Strengths

- Azium solution 2 mg/mL: Dexamethasone 2 mg per mL (verified, [1])

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Ketosis / anti-inflammatory | 5–20 mg/animal [1] | IV or IM |  | Label |
| Horses | Anti-inflammatory | 2.5–5 mg/animal [1] | IV or IM |  | Label |

## Label directions

- Cattle: 5–20 mg IV or IM [1].
- Horses: 2.5–5 mg IV or IM [1].

## Warnings and precautions

- May induce parturition in the last trimester, followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis [1].
- Corticosteroids reportedly cause laminitis in horses [1].
- Do not use in calves to be processed for veal [1].
- Except in emergencies, do not use with chronic nephritis or Cushing’s syndrome; do not use in viral infections during the viraemic stage [1].

## Pack sizes

- 100 mL multiple-dose vial [1].

## About dexamethasone (the active ingredient)

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drug in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats, and for primary ketosis in cattle [3]. The Dexadreson label gives 1.5 mL per 50 kg for horses, cattle and pigs and 0.5 mL per 10 kg for dogs and cats (2 mg/mL) [3].

- Class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, long-acting)

Glucocorticoids bind receptors in the cell cytoplasm and the hormone–receptor complex changes which proteins the cell makes; one of these, lipocortin, inhibits phospholipase A2, the first step of prostaglandin and leukotriene production [2].


Interactive dose calculator (strength prefilled only when confirmed): use the page link above.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Azium dose for cows?

5–20 mg of dexamethasone IV or IM, i.e. 2.5–10 mL of the 2 mg/mL solution (calculated) [1].

### What is the dexamethasone dose for dogs?

Dexadreson (2 mg/mL) is given IM at 0.5 mL per 10 kg, which works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated) [3].

### Can dexamethasone cause abortion in cows?

Yes — given in late pregnancy it may cause early parturition or abortion, and it is used on purpose to induce parturition [3].

## References

[1] AZIUM (dexamethasone) solution — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Schering-Plough Animal Health (2026). https://drugs.com/vet/azium-solution.html
[2] Corticosteroids in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals
[3] Dexadreson 2 mg/ml solution for injection — SPC — HPRA Ireland — MSD Animal Health SPC (2026). https://assets.hpra.ie/products/Animal/2223/ie-spc-600000064438-np-vpa10996-027-001-en_27082025115832.pdf

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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