FieldDx

Drug reference · Prednisolone

PrednisoloneDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Horses.

What it is used for

Intermediate-acting corticosteroid; hepatically conjugated and excreted in urine. Labeled as Delta-cortef or PrednisTab. High oral bioavailability in horses. Inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions.

Dose by species

Dose1 mg/kg POHorses
Dose0.5–1 mg/kg IM q12hDogs
Dose2.2–6.6 mg/kg IVDogs
Dose2 mg/kg PO q12hDogs
Dose0.2–0.3 mg/kg PODogs
Dose0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24hHorses

Doses are shown as published, not averaged across sources. Enter the animal’s body weight in the interactive drug guide to calculate the amount.

How it works

Glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory.

Do not use in

Systemic fungal infections; IM injection in animals with idiopathic thrombocytopenia; hypersensitivity.

Main adverse effects

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

Monitoring

Monitor liver enzymes, blood glucose, and renal function during therapy. Monitor patients for signs of secondary infections. Perform an ACTH stimulation test to monitor adrenal function. Corticosteroids can increase liver enzymes, especially ALP, without inducing liver pathology.

Withdrawal

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.

Conditions it is used for

Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis Multisystemic, eosinophilic, epitheliotropic disease Salmonellosis Equine Urticaria Canine / Feline Lymphoma Immune-Mediated Myositis Adrenal Crisis in Hyperadrenocorticism Treatment Canine Lymphoma Recurrence

Similar drugs

Oclacitinib Triamcinolone Acetonide Dexamethasone Fluticasone Triamcinolone Diacetate

Source

Plumb (pp. 1058-1060); Papich (p. 7).

Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition

Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition (p. 771)

Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.