Dexamethasone Tablets are used for a number of conditions, including allergies, inflammation, certain types of colitis, and many other diseases. Dexamethasone Tablets require a prescription from your veterinarian and are sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Effective for treating allergies and inflammation
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Decreases swelling and pain caused by inflammatory conditions
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It can also be used to treat certain forms of arthritis
How it works: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid which inhibits inflammation, and reduces irritation, redness, burning, and swelling.
Cautions: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not stop using this medication suddenly, especially if it has been used for several weeks or more. The dose may need to be reduced over several days to prevent side effects.
More Information:
Brand Name Azium (Schering Plough), Decadron (Merck)
Generic Name Dexamethasone
What is the most important information I should know about Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a prescription medication for use in dogs and cats available by prescription as 0.5mg tablets. The usual dose of dexamethasone is dependent on the condition being treated and the pet's response to the treatment. When discontinuing use of this medication after prolonged treatment, withdrawal should be gradual, not abrupt.
What is Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is in a class called corticosteroids. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory to treat a variety of conditions including lupus, acute arthritis, allergies, cancers, brain swelling, and other conditions. Dexamethasone may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Dexamethasone to my pet: Do not use dexamethasone if the pet has a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection without also using proper anti-infective treatment. Do not use this medication in animals allergic to it. Tell your veterinarian if the animal has heart disease, seizures, diabetes, osteoporosis, or impaired liver function. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Corticosteroid therapy may induce delivery in large animal species during the latter stages of pregnancy.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store dexamethasone at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: An overdose of this medication is unlikely. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and Cushing's disease in certain species.
What should I avoid while giving Dexamethasone to my pet: Do not give dexamethasone if your pet is also being given an NSAID such as aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl), and others. Do not administer this medication in the presence of a systemic fungal infection. Do not administer any live virus vaccines.
What are the possible side effects of Dexamethasone: Side effects of dexamethasone may include changes in appetite, increased thirst and urination, drowsiness, and hyperglycemia. Long term use may cause symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, impaired wound healing, and muscle loss and weakness. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect Dexamethasone: Before giving dexamethasone, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given any other oral steroid medications such as prednisone, prednisOLOne, Methylprednisolone or others. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is being given furosemide, NSAIDs such as carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), or etodolac (EtoGesic), phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital, cyclosporine (Atopica), or mitotane (Lysodren). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with dexamethasone. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about dexamethasone written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Dexamethasone tablets are available by prescription for use in dogs and cats.
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Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to treat a number of conditions including allergies, inflammation, Addison’s disease, certain types of colitis, lupus, acute arthritis, cancers, brain swelling, and many other conditions.
Tip: When discontinuing use of this medication after prolonged treatment, withdrawal should be gradual, not abrupt.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
The usual dose of Dexamethasone is dependent on the condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated, and the pet’s response to treatment. Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
The manufacturers expiration date for the product we have in the pharmacy is April, 2013. However, when the medication is dispensed from the pharmacy, the prescription label will have an expiration date of 1 year from when the medication was filled.
I don't think so. The swelling could very well be due to an infection. I would suggest you have the pet examined by your veterinarian. Until then, you can cleanse the wound with Nolvasan Skin and Wound Cleanser.
Back in January, my 4lb pup had some sort of allergic reaction and her face was swollen. She was prescribed .5mg of Dexamethasone, 2 pills twice a day. My 12lb dog is also on this medication for arthritis, and is on the exact same dosage. .5mg, 2 pills twice a day. Why is that? Arthritis is much more painful, and she's a bigger dog.
This is the type of medication where the dose is determined based on the condition being treated and the severity of the condition, more than by how much the dog weighs.
There's no clear cut answer. It depends on the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and the pet's response to treatment. If you are giving this to your pet and you don't think the pet is responding fast enough, you need to talk to your veterinarian.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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