Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with approximately 25 times the anti-inflammatory potency of naturally occurring cortisol. Corticosteroids such as examethasone are important in normal protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and for their role in controlling inflammation. These drugs have both strong beneficial effects and a definite potential to cause negative side-effects. Dexamethasone commonly is used in both small- and large-animal veterinary medicine. It may be given by injection, inhalation, orally, or topically. Preparations for topical use may include other active ingredients such as antibiotics, antifungals, or miticides.
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.
DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 mg/mL is intended for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Each mL contains 2 mg dexamethasone, 500 mg polyethylene glycol 400, 9 mg benzyl alcohol, 1.8 mg methylparaben and 0.2 mg propylparaben as preservatives, 4.75% alcohol, HCl to adjust pH to approximately 4.9, water for injection q.s.
Contra-indication:
Do not administer to animals with Diabetes Mellitus, osteoporosis, an impaired heart or kidney function. Do not inject during the last (third) part of gestation (abortion). Retardation of wound healing, muscle atrophy and myopathy, skin-atrophy, changes in blood cell formation and degradation, adrenal dysfunctions, risks for super-infections, not for treatment of viral and fungal infections.
Precautions
- Chronic or inappropriate use of corticosteroids including dexamethasone can cause life-threatening hormonal and metabolic changes.
- Adverse effects due to corticosteroid treatment usually occur with long-term administration of the drug, especially when high doses are used. Alternate-day therapy with short-acting preparations is preferred. Animals that have received long-term therapy should be withdrawn slowly by tapering the dosage and prolonging the interval between doses.
- Corticosteroids suppress immune response. Animals receiving systemic corticosteroids may be more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Systemic corticosteroids can mask signs of infection, such as an elevated temperature.
- Polyuria, polydipsia, and muscle wasting can be seen with prolonged corticosteroid use.
- Corticosteroids can cause or worsen gastric ulcers.
- Corticosteroids should be avoided or used very carefully in young animals both because of immune suppression and the risk of GI ulcers.
- Corticosteroids have been implicated as a cause of laminitis in horses and ponies. Some corticosteroids are thought to be more likely to cause laminitis than others and the dexamethasone drugs historically have not been considered to be in the higher risk category. Pony breeds may be more susceptible to developing laminitis than horses.
- Although corticosteroids may be used in healthy older horses, they should not be used in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. These horses already may have high levels of natural corticosteroids and are prone to laminitis and suppressed immune- function.
- Corticosteroids should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Large doses in early pregnancy may be teratogenic. Corticosteroids can induce labor in cattle and has been used to terminate pregnancy in bitches.
Dosage/administration:
For intramuscular or intravenous injection.
- Horses, cattle : 5 – 15 ml per animal.
- Calves, foals, sheep, goats, pigs : 1 – 2.5 ml per animal.
- Cats, dogs : 0.1 – 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight.
Higher dosing and repeat treatment only on advice of your veterinarian.
Withdrawal period:
Meat : 8 days
Milk : 3 days
Prices of Dexamethasone For Livestock
$19.49 – $89.99