|
|
 |
 |
     |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with approximately 25 times the anti-inflammatory potency of naturally occurring cortisol. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are important in normal protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism and for their role in controlling inflammation. These drugs have both strong beneficial effects and a definite potential to cause negative side effects. Dexamethasone is commonly used in both small and large animal veterinary medicine. It may be given by injection, inhalation, orally or topically. Preparations for topical use may include other active ingredients such as antibiotics, antifungals, or miticides.
Dexamethasone is used systemically in high doses in emergency situations for anaphylactic reactions, spinal chord trauma, or shock. It is used in the management and treatment of immune mediated disease such as immune mediated hemolytic anemia, or thombocytopenia: some cancers: allergic reactions such as asthma, hives, and itching: inflammatory diseases and some neurologic diseases. Dexamethasone is also used topically in the treatment of a variety skin and eye problems.
Dexamethasone is given systemically to decrease inflammatory and immune responses. It is used in high doses in emergencies for anaphylactic reactions, spinal chord trauma, or shock. It is used in lower doses to treat allergic reactions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), hives, itching, inflammatory diseases including arthritis and for the management and treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. It is sometimes used systemically as a "performance enhancing drug" because corticosteroids decrease inflammation, possibly enhance glucose metabolism (there is some debate about this), and may have some mood elevating properties. Other corticosteroids are preferred for intra-articular use.
• Systemic side effects to corticosteroids are generally dependent on dose and duration of treatment. Adrenocorticosteroids have effects on every body system.
• Chronic or inappropriate use of corticosteroids including dexamethasone can cause life threatening hormonal and metabolic changes.
• Adverse effects due to corticosteroid treatment usually occur with long-term administration of the drug, especially when high doses are used. Alternate day therapy with short acting preparations is preferred. Animals who have received long-term therapy should be withdrawn slowly by tapering the dosage and prolonging the interval between doses.
• Corticosteroids suppress immune response. Animals receiving systemic corticosteroids may be more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Systemic corticosteroids can mask signs of infection, such as an elevated temperature.
• Polyuria, polydipsia, and muscle wasting can be seen with prolonged corticosteroid use.
• Corticosteroids can cause or worsen gastric ulcers.
• Corticosteroids should be avoided or used very carefully in young animals both because of immune suppression and the risk of GI ulcers.
• Corticosteroids have been implicated as a cause of laminitis in horses and ponies. Some corticosteroids are thought to be more likely to cause laminitis than others and the dexamethasone drugs have not historically been considered to be in the higher risk category. Pony breeds may be more susceptible to developing laminitis than horses.
• Although corticosteroids may be used in healthy older horses, they should not be used in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. These horses may already have high levels of natural corticosteroids and are prone to laminitis and suppressed immune function.
• Corticosteroids should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Large doses in early pregnancy may be teratogenic. Corticosteroids can induce labor in cattle and has been used to terminate pregnancy in bitches.
• When diuretics such as furosemide are given with corticosteroids, there is an increased risk of electrolyte imbalances due to calcium and potassium losses.
• The immune response to vaccination may be reduced when corticosteroids are given at the same time.
• The risk of GI ulcers may be increased if corticosteroids and other drugs prone to causing ulcers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given at the same time.
• Corticosteroids should not be given intravenously with fluids containing calcium.
Short-term administration of even large doses is unlikely to cause serious harmful systemic effects due adrenal suppression. Problems associated with long-term administration of dexamethasone relate to suppression of normal adrenal function, iatrogenic Cushing's disease and metabolic crisis due to abrupt withdrawal.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
|
|
 |
 We offer a free, no obligation formulation consultation.
We can custom formulate a prescription product just for you. |
|
|
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
Request a Brochure | Request a Formulation Consultation
Caring for People | Veterinary
Medicine | Due Diligence | HIPAA Privacy Notice | Home
Compounding Pharmacy | Veterinary
Pharmacy | Veterinary Medications
Information on Expired Medications | Sitemap
Featured Medication: Avastin for Macular
Degeneration, Isosulfan Blue
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Wedgewood
Pharmacy
405 Heron Drive Suite 200 • Swedesboro, NJ 08085-1749 • 1-888-678-1967
Copyright © 2004-2006 Wedgewood Village Pharmacy, Inc. All
rights reserved.
