Prednisone and prednisolone belong to a group of drugs known as corticosteroids. They are used to manage inflammation in diseases or conditions where the immune system has a significant role. The body manufactures a natural corticosteroid called cortisol in the adrenal gland. The anti-inflammatory effects of prednisone and prednisolone are about four times stronger than those of the naturally occurring cortisol.
Common uses for prednisone and prednisolone include the management and treatment of immune system diseases such as lupus, hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia; many central nervous system disorders; some types of cancer; skin diseases; allergic reactions such as hives and itching; orthopedic diseases; hormonal disorders including Addison’s disease; respiratory disease such as asthma; inflammatory bowel diseases; and many other conditions. Check with your veterinarian about the specific reason your pet is taking this medication. Cats may require higher doses than dogs in order to achieve clinical response, but they are less likely to develop adverse side effects.
Description
Prednisone/prednisolone (brand name: Prednis-Tab®, Deltasone®, Rayos®, Pediapred®) is a glucocorticoid used to treat many conditions in many species. Broad uses include the following: replacement therapy for Addison’s disease, an anti-inflammatory, an immune suppressant, and an antineoplastic (cancer treatment). Although they are distinct drugs, prednisone is quickly converted to prednisolone in the liver, so they are considered bioequivalent (equally absorbed).
While some products are labeled for use in some animals with certain conditions, its use in cats, dogs, horses, small mammals, birds, and reptiles to treat inflammation, immune-mediated disease, Addison’s disease, and neoplasia is often ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
Side Effects of Prednisolone For Cats
Be sure to discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately. Short-term administration of prednisone or prednisolone is unlikely to cause serious side effects.
Because these drugs affect almost all the systems in the body, they may cause a number of different side effects. The higher the dose and the longer the medication is given, the greater the chance of side effects. Short-term use of prednisone or prednisolone is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
The most common side effects in dogs include increased thirst, urination, and appetite. Because drugs like prednisone and prednisolone suppress the immune system, your pet may be more susceptible to infections. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of fever or infection. Other side effects that may occur, especially with long-term dosing may include Cushing’s disease, which may appear as dry hair coat, hair loss, or development of a pot belly. Some animals may become aggressive while on prednisone or prednisolone.
Although cats are less likely to develop side effects than dogs, increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, weight gain, GI problems, and behavioral changes occur occasionally. If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, it’s insulin dose may require a change.
Uses/benefits of Prednisolone For Cats
Steroid medications are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in cats, ranging from inflammatory conditions to conditions where the immune system is overactive and the body begins to attack normal, healthy cells. Depending on the severity and nature of the condition, the treatment dose will differ.
Some inflammatory conditions steroid medications are used to treat include:
- Asthma
- Other Respiratory Conditions
- Allergies
- Dermatitis
In higher doses, corticosteroid medications are used to treat overactive immune system (immune-mediated) conditions such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Hyperactive immune system
- Polyarthritis
- Meningitis
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Other immune-mediated conditions
Dosage and Administration
Prednisolone 5 mg tablets are for oral administration. The dosage, as with other corticosteroids, should be individualized according to the severity of the conditions, anticipated duration of therapy and the patient’s threshold or tolerance for steroid excess. For chronic conditions, the lowest dose producing adequate relief should be the one employed. As a guideline,
Dogs: 0.5-1.0 mg/kg
Cats: 1-2 mg/kg
Doses should be given as single or divided doses initially and then tapered to every 48 hours.
Specification
- Drug Name: Prednisone and Prednisolone for Dogs and Cats
- Common Name: Prednis-Tab®
- Drug Type: Corticosteroid
- Used For: Inflammation, Cancer, Addison’s disease, Nervous system disorders
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: Tablets, Oral liquid, Injectable
- How Dispensed: Prescription only
- FDA Approved: Yes
Prices of Prednisolone For Cats
$14.10 – $49.15