DexamethasoneDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs, Horses and Sheep.

Potent, long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid; used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Dexamethasone is used for treatment of inflammatory and immune-mediated disease. The use of dexamethasone at high doses for treatment of shock is controversial. Most recent evidence does not support administration of dexamethasone for this use unless there is adrenal deficiency. Dexamethasone is often used short term in small animals as an injection (sodium-phosphate form) when oral treatment wi

Corticosteroid. Anti- inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of dexamethasone are approximately 30 times more potent than cortisol and 6–7 times more potent than prednisolone. Anti- inflammatory effects are complex but primarily via inhibition of inflammatory cells and suppression of expression of inflammatory mediators.

Use cautiously in patients prone to ulcers or infection or in animals in which wound healing is necessary. Use cautiously in animals with diabetes or renal failure and in pregnant animals. IV injections should be done slowly because formulations contain polyethylene glycol, which can cause reactions from rapid IV injection (hemolysis, hypotension, and collapse). Do not administer dexamethasone- 21- isonicotinate IV (IM use only).

Side effects from corticosteroids are many and include polyphagia, polydipsia and polyuria, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. Adverse effects include GI ulceration, hepatopathy, increased risk of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, decreased thyroid hormone, decreased protein synthesis, delayed wound healing, and immunosuppression.

For the low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests, administer either 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg and collect cortisol samples at 0, 4, and 8 hours after administration. The normal cortisol concentration after suppression test should be less than 30–40 nmol/L (1.1–1.3 mcg/dL).

A withdrawal interval is stated for this drug. It depends on the formulation, route and dose, so read the exact wording in the interactive drug guide before treating a food animal.