For Intravenous or Intramuscular Injection
Dexamethasone Injection 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 offers enhanced
anti-inflammatory effect compared to older corticosteroids. The dosage of
dexamethasone required is markedly lower than that of prednisone and
prednisolone.
Dexamethasone is not species-specific; however, the
veterinarian should read the sections on INDICATIONS,
DOSAGE, SIDE EFFECTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, and
WARNING before this drug is used.
Dexamethasone Solution is intended for
intravenous or intramuscular administration.
Each mL contains 2 mg dexamethasone.
INDICATIONS
Dexamethasone Solution is indicated for the treatment of
primary bovine ketosis and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the bovine and
equine.
As supportive therapy, dexamethasone may be used in the
management of various rheumatic, allergic, dermatologic, and other diseases
known to be responsive to anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
Dexamethasone Solution may be used intravenously as
supportive therapy when an immediate hormonal response is required.
Bovine Ketosis
Dexamethasone Solution is offered for the treatment of
primary ketosis. The gluconeogenic effects of dexamethasone, when
administered intramuscularly, are generally noted within the first 6 to 12
hours. When Dexamethasone Solution is used intravenously, the effects may be
noted sooner. Blood sugar levels rise to normal levels rapidly and generally
rise to above normal levels within 12 to 24 hours. Acetone bodies are
reduced to normal concentrations usually within 24 hours. The physical
attitude of animals treated with dexamethasone brightens and appetite
improves, usually within 12 hours. Milk production, which is suppressed as a
compensatory reaction in this condition, begins to increase. In some
instances, it may even surpass previous peaks. The recovery process usually
takes from three to seven days.
Supportive Therapy
Dexamethasone may be used as supportive therapy in mastitis,
metritis, traumatic gastritis, and pyelonephritis, while appropriate primary
therapy is administered. In these cases, the corticosteroid combats
accompanying stress and enhances the feeling of general well-being.
Dexamethasone may also be used as supportive therapy in
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritic conditions, snake bite, acute
mastitis, shipping fever, pneumonia, laminitis, and retained placenta.
Equine
Dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of acute
musculoskeletal inflammations, such as bursitis, carpitis, osselets,
tendonitis, myositis, and sprains. If boney changes exist in any of these
conditions, joints, or accessory structures, responses to dexamethasone
cannot be expected. In addition, dexamethasone may be used as supportive
therapy in fatigue, heat exhaustion, influenza, laminitis, and retained
placenta provided that the primary cause is determined and corrected.
ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE
Therapy with dexamethasone 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 from any
other glucocorticoid with proper reduction or adjustment of dosage.
Bovine - Dexamethasone Solution - 5
to 20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.
Equine - Dexamethasone Solution -
2.5 to 5 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.
Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Except for emergency therapy, do not use in animals with
chronic nephritis and hyper-corticalism (Cushing's syndrome). Existence of
congestive heart failure, diabetes, and osteoporosis are relative
contraindications. Do not use in viral infections during the viremic stage.
PRECAUTIONS
Animals receiving Dexamethasone should be under close
observation. Because of the anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids,
signs of infection may be masked and it may be necessary to stop treatment
until further diagnosis is made. Overdosage of some glucocorticoids may
result in sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, and weight
gain.
Dexamethasone may be administered to animals with acute or
chronic bacterial infections providing the infections are controlled with
appropriate antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents.
Doses greater than those recommended in horses may produce a
transient drowsiness or lethargy in some horses. The lethargy usually abates
in 24 hours.
Use of corticosteroids, depending on dose, duration, and
specific steroid, may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production
following drug withdrawal. In patients presently receiving or recently
withdrawn from systemic corticosteroid treatments, therapy with a rapidly
acting corticosteroid should be considered in unusually stressful
situations.
WARNING
Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that
corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce
the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester
of pregnancy and may precipitate parturition followed by dystocia, fetal
death, retained placenta, and metritis.
A withdrawal period has not been established
for this product in preruminal calves. Do not use in calves to be processed
for veal.
Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs, rabbits,
and rodents during pregnancy have produced cleft palate. Other congenital
anomalies including deformed forelegs, phocomelia, and anasarca have been
reported in offspring of dogs which received corticosteroids during
pregnancy.
SIDE EFFECTS
Corticosteroids reportedly cause laminitis in horses.
HOW SUPPLIED
Dexamethasone Solution 2mg per mL, 100 mL multiple dose
vial.
Store between 2° and 30° C (36° and 86° F)
