Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory and allergy conditions as well as other diseases. Prednisone requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats a wide range of inflammatory and auto-immune conditions
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Remedies swelling and itchy skin caused by allergies
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Reduces redness, itching, and allergic reactions affecting the eyes
How it works: Prednisone is a corticosteroid, which suppresses the inflammatory response to a variety of agents. Prednisone can also be used as an immunosuppressive drug for organ transplants and in cases of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
Cautions: Without first talking to your veterinarian, don’t give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or any other medical conditions.
More Information:
Brand Name Deltasone (Pharmacia), Sterapred (Merz)
Generic Name Prednisone (pred’-ni-zone)
What is the most important information I should know about prednisone: Prednisone is a prescription medication that is used in dogs and cats. Prednisone is available as 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and 50mg scored tablets. The usual dose for dogs and cats is determined based on the condition being treated and the pet's response to treatment. Prednisone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping. Prednisone should be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.
What is Prednisone: Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Prednisone reduces swelling and decreases the pet's ability to fight infections. Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions. Prednisone is used to treat endocrine disorders and arthritis. Prednisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving prednisone to my pet: Do not give prednisone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Prednisone weakens the pet's immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other medical conditions. Also tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for the pet. Prednisone should be given with food. Store prednisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: If you give one dose daily, give the missed dose as soon as remembered. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and give only the regular daily dose. If you give more than one dose daily, either give the missed dose as soon as remembered, or give two doses the next dose time. If you give one dose every other day, give the missed dose as soon as remembered, then go back to the regular every other day schedule.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. A single large dose of prednisone is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to occur due to large doses being taken over a period of time. Symptoms of overdose include weight gain, panting, increased thirst, hunger and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and Cushing's syndrome.
What should I avoid while giving Prednisone to my pet: Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Prednisone: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving prednisone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving prednisone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that occur rarely, usually with high doses of prednisone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Prednisone: Do not give any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with prednisone without first talking to your veterinarian. Many other medications can interact with prednisone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Prednisone 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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Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid used in dogs and cats to treat various conditions such as Addison’s disease, inflammation from arthritis, allergies, and certain autoimmune diseases.
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Give prednisone exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
Tip: Prednisone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
The usual dose is determined based on the condition being treated and the pet’s response to treatment. Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Prednisone should be given with food to lessen stomach upset, and with plenty of water.
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
My 6 year old maltese has had allergy issues his whole life. We have tried every allergy medicine, shampoo's, topical creams and nothing gave him relief. We were even giving him 4 benadryl's a day and he was still chewing his legs, paws, and shoulders until they were bald and bleeding. This medicine is the only thing that gives him relief and now we have our happy playful puppy back.
I HAVE A 85lb BLACK LAB THAT BREAKS OUT WITH UNCONTROLLABLE ITCHING, CHEWING TO THE POINT OF BLEEDING, AND RUBBING HER FACE INTO THE GROUND, CAUSING RAW SPOTS AROUND HER EYES TO BLEED. EVERY SPRING WHEN THE MAPLE TREES START BUDDING AND THE GRASS STARTS TO TURN GREEN AND GROW. THEY WANTED US TO CHANGE FOOD AND TO TRY OTHER ALLERGY QUICK FIXES$$$$$$. THIS WORKS WONDERS WITH CEPHALEXIN. BUT WITH MY DOG, IT ONLY LASTS 3 MONTHS. IT'S WORHT IT! I LIKE IT!!
After trying many allergy meds, this is the only thing that worked. No more licking and scratching. The red spots on her skin are gone now too. She is back sleeping through the night and so are her parents. She is back full of energy. We tried atopica for three months everyday (very expensive) and it did nothing.
I know that pred. can be misssued, but small amounts of the drug for a short time is the only thing that has temporarily cured his awful skin allergies. I have tried benadryl, and shampoos to almost no effect. Even though Willie is a 75 pound golden, 10 mg for 4 or 5 days and 5mg for 4 more days clear it up completely. then I will discontinue use until his skin gets messy again which sometimes can be 3 or 4 months later. His skin get blemishes then they actually get bigger and he loses a bit of hair plus he starts chewing on it. It is not as bad as a hot spot which Willie has never had, but still not good.
I have a 7 year old Doberman who blew out a spinal disc near her tail. She screamed in pain every time she moved. It was heartwrenching. Forget Rimadyl. She just lay down and would not get up because the pain was so internse. Before we had her put down, our vet put her on predisone. 10 mg every other day. Unbelievable! She is back running like the wind, no yelping. I could care less about side effects, she had her life back. Whoever develpoed this drug should get a Nobel prize.
I do not have the money available at this time to take him to the vet. $90 just to walk in and I have the same meds here I know they will give him. But if it is a 35lb dog and the strength I have is 2omg. can i cut them in four and he would get 5mg or is that too much???
First off you should never, ever, give a prescription medication prescribed for you by your doctor to your pet. On top of that, prednisone is a very potent medication and can cause harm if not used properly. Unfortunately, you have no choice but to have the pet examined by a veterinarian.
My dog scraped her paws and her belly chasing a rabbit. She's in pain and all I have is Prednisone. Will that work to reduce the pain, swelling and redness?
No. Do not use prednisone. Using a potent medication like prednisone for a reason other than what the veterinarian specifically prescribed it for could cause serious harm to your pet. If your pet is in a lot of pain with swelling and redness I would recommend having your veterinarian examine your pet.
Temaril-P contains 2 mg of prednisolone. It's possible that predisolone by itself, or prednisone by itself may do the same thing. You can certainly discuss this with 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.