Dexamethasone Elixir (8 oz) (Manufacturer may vary)

Dexamethasone is used in the treatment of myositis, arthritis, dermatitis, allergies and supportive therapy in all animals. It can be used to treat various cancers, respiratory diseases, liver disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and skin disorders. Dexamethasone is an effective glucocorticoid, a hormone related to cortisone. It suppresses the immune system, reduces inflammation throughout the body, but the effects on nervous system are limited.

Key Benefits

• Effective for treating allergies and inflammation
• Decreases swelling and pain caused by inflammatory conditions
• Can be used to treat various cancers and other disorders

How It Works

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid which inhibits inflammation, and reduces irritation, redness, burning, and swelling.

Use as directed by your veterinarian

Contraindications:

Systemic fungal infections Hypersensitivity to this product

Warnings:

In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated.

Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may result from too rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids and may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. If the patient is receiving steroids already, dosage may have to be increased. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.

Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use.

There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticosteroids are used. Moreover, corticosteroids may affect the nitroblue-tetrazolium test for bacterial infection and produce false-negative results.

In cerebral malaria, a double-blind trial has shown that the use of corticosteroids is associated with prolongation of coma and a higher incidence of pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Corticosteroids may activate latent amebiasis. Therefore, it is recommended that latent or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating corticosteroid therapy in any patient who has spent time in the tropics or any patient with unexplained diarrhea.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

Side Effects & Warnings

May retard growth to young animals. Can cause dull coat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, depression, lethargy and viciousness.

Do not give dexamethasone if your pet is also being given an NSAID such as aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl), and others. Do not administer this medication in the presence of a systemic fungal infection. Do not administer any live virus vaccines.

Side effects of dexamethasone may include changes in appetite, increased thirst and urination, drowsiness, and hyperglycemia. Long term use may cause symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, impaired wound healing, and muscle loss and weakness. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.