Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid a hormone used for treatment of inflammatory conditions of multiple disease situations. This is an unflavored tablet.

Uses
Corticosteroids are hormones used for the treatment of multiple conditions including adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease); inflammation; autoimmune diseases such as lupus pemphigus and some anemias;allergies including atopy; asthma; some cancers; and certain types of colitis and kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome).

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Dosage depends on the product used. Your veterinarian may recommend starting at a higher dose and then reducing the dose every few days to a week.
If you miss a dose contact your veterinarian to determine the next dose.
Give oral forms with food to decrease chance of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
If using the transdermal gel apply to the skin as directed by your veterinarian.
If using an injectable form use a new sterile needle and syringe each time and follow the proper technique as directed by your veterinarian. Dispose of the needle and syringe according to local regulations.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
Side effects are usually dose dependent. If side effects occur contact your veterinarian who may decrease the dosage frequency or type of corticosteroid.
The most common side effects are increased appetite drinking and urination. Your pet may have more accidents and need to go outside or use the litter box more often.
Less common side effects include weight gain panting diarrhea vomiting and behavior changes.
Side effects of long-term use include muscle loss weakness and the development of diabetes or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). The typical signs of these diseases are increased thirst urination and appetite. Animals with Cushing's disease may also develop thin skin a poor hair coat and a pot-belly.
Immune system suppression may occur especially on higher doses making a pet more susceptible to infection. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has a fever (over 103° F) painful urination (a sign of urinarytract infection) tiredness sneezing coughing or runny eyes.

Precautions
Not for use in animals with systemic fungal infections some types of mange (mites) stomach ulcers ushing's disease high blood pressure kidney disease or congestive heart failure.
Do not use in pregnant animals. May cause premature birth. Can cause birth defects in dogs rabbits and rodents.
If on long-term therapy do not discontinue the drug abruptly. The dose needs to be tapered off over several weeks to allow the body to start making its own cortisol again. May need to give additional steroids while tapering if the animal is stressed.
May stunt growth if used in young growing animals.

Drug and Food Interactions
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications including vitamins and supplements your pet is taking while your pet is receiving corticosteroids.
Increased risk of ulcers if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin carprofen(Rimadyl) deracoxib (Deramaxx) or etodolac (EtoGesic).
Insulin requirements may increase in diabetic animals.
Do not use modified live vaccines in animals on higher doses of corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids may cause abnormal levels of hepatic enzymes thyroid hormone cholesterol and potassium in the blood and can affect many laboratory tests. Make sure your veterinarian knows your pet is taking corticosteroids prior to testing.
Corticosteroid dose may need to be modified if given with phenytoin phenobarbital rifampin cyclosporine estrogens erythromycin or mitotane.
Digitalis toxicity can more easily occur if corticosteroids are given with amphotericin B furosemide or thiazide.
Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
An acute overdose is unlikely to cause problems. A chronic overdose is likely to cause signs of Cushing's disease or diabetes mellitus; both diseases commonly cause increased urinating drinking and eating. Abruptly stopping long-term treatment may cause signs of Addison's disease including vomiting weakness collapse and sudden death. Consult your veterinarian if you see any of these signs. WarningKeep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Prescription Items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.