Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with approximately 25 times the anti-inflammatory potency of naturally occurring cortisol. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone 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 not species-specific; however, the veterinarian should read the sections on INDICATIONS, DOSAGE, SIDE EFFECTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, and WARNINGS before this drug is used.
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. Dexamethasone is a synthetic gluco-corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, anti-allergic, gluconeogenesis and immunosuppressive action.
Indication:
Dexamethasone Inj. is indicated for allergic reactions, myoglobinuria, toxinaemia, shock, stress and urticaria. Local treatment of arthritis, bursitis, distortions, peri-arthritis, tendinitis and tendovaginitis. Always combine with antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection.
Contraindication:
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.
Side effect:
Polydipsia, poly-uraemia, poly-phagia, immunosuppression, muscle atrophy, delayed wound healing, influences fat metabolism.
Administration And Dosage
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 the animal’s threshold or tolerance for steroid excess.
Treatment may be changed over to DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION 2 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.
Withdrawal period:
Meat : 8 days
Milk : 3 days
Prices of Dexamethasone For Sheep
$27.10 – $75.02
Even in an article titled Dexa- for Sheep, you still didn’t give the Usual Dosage amount for sheep, only for Bovine and Equine. I need that dosage for a ram who can only walk on three legs. He was favoring the leg but using it only yesterday. My vet supplied the drug, but failed to give me a dosage.