Dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid, reduces
the body's inflammatory response. The solutions are administered via
intravenous injection (injections may in some instances be made intramuscularly).
Dexamethasone's effects are rapid and of high potency.
Dexamethasone Solution 2 mg/mL
Ingredients (per mL): 2 mg dexamethasone, 500 mg polyethylene
glycol 400, benzyl alcohol, 1.8 mg methylparaben and 0.2 mg propylparaben
as preservatives, 4.75% alcohol, HCl to adjust pH to approximately 4.9,
water for injection q.s.
Dexamethasone Solution 4 mg/mL
Ingredients (per mL): 4 mg dexamethasone, 10 mg sodium
citrate, 2 mg sodium bisulfite, 1.5% benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide
and/or hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, water for injection q.s.
Warnings:
Keep Dexamethasone solutions out of reach of children
and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.
Dexamethasone solutions are only intended for use
in the animal for which they were prescribed. Do not administer to any
other animal. Do not use in humans.
CAUTION: Federal law (USA) restricts
this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Not for use in animals with Cushing's syndrome,
peptic ulcers, tuberculosis, or chronic nephritis, unless emergency
circumstances necessitate therapy with Dexamethasone.
Do not use in animals with viral infections in the
viremic stage, diabetes, congestive heart failure, or osteoporosis.
A veterinarian should closely supervise animals on
a Dexamethasone regimen.
These solutions may reduce an animal's ability
to fight infections and mask signs of infection. Take care to avoid
sources of infection during therapy.
Dexamethasone may be used with bacterial infections
provided they are being successfully managed with an anti-infective
agent.
Overdose may cause electrolyte imbalances, fluid
retention, and weight gain.
Doses higher than the recommended levels may cause
transient drowsiness or lethargy in horses.
Dexamethasone solutions may cause laminitis in horses.
Dexamethasone solutions may cause Cushing's syndrome
in dogs.
Other possible side effects in some species include
hyperglycemia, increased thirst, increased urinary output, elevated
SGPT and SAP levels, diarrhea or vomiting (sometimes bloody), and glycosuria.
Some use may result in endogenous steroid insufficiency
after cessation of therapy.
Parenteral and oral use of corticosteroids in pregnant
animals is associated with a number of side effects, including cleft
palate and other deformities in the offspring and fetal death.
Protein intake should be high with prolonged therapy.
Dexamethasone solutions may delay wound healing.
This should be taken into consideration when using one of these products
for surgical purposes.
Consult your veterinarian before administering any
other drugs or supplements to an animal taking Dexamethasone.