Dexamethasone
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Dexamethasone in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine used to reduce swelling and irritation.
This medicine is in the corticosteroid group.
It comes as tablets and as liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Azium
- Decadron
- Dexamethasone Intensol
- Dexium
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to treat swelling and irritation in dogs and cats.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use):
- Used to treat swelling and irritation in other animal species.
- Used to treat low natural steroid hormone levels (Addison disease) in dogs and cats.
- Used to lower immune system activity in dogs and cats.
- Used as part of treatment for some cancers in dogs.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Before your pet starts this medicine, talk with your veterinarian about:
- All medicines, vitamins, or supplements your pet is taking. This medicine can react with many other drugs.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any past bad reactions your pet has had to medicines.
- Possible risks if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Also tell your veterinarian if your pet will be having allergy testing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- Pets that have had an allergy to this medicine or to other corticosteroids.
- Pets with fungal infections.
- Pets that currently have stomach or intestinal sores (ulcers).
- Pets that are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other steroid medicines. Using these together can raise the chance of stomach sores and bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Pets that have high natural steroid hormone levels (Cushing disease).
Use with caution in animals:
- Pets with diabetes.
- Pets with heart, kidney, liver, or bone disease.
- Pets that have a high chance of developing blood clots.
- Pets that have viral or bacterial infections, whether or not they are showing signs.
- Pets with sores on the eye (eye ulcers).
- Pets that are pregnant or nursing.
- Working or service animals that depend on smell. This medicine may lower their ability to detect odors.
- Young, growing animals. If used for a long time, this medicine can affect growth.
- Pets that are having surgery soon, are in surgery, or are healing after surgery.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Give with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Make sure your pet always has plenty of clean water available. This medicine can make your pet drink more.
- If your dog gets this once per day, give it in the morning. This may help reduce nighttime urination.
- If you are giving a liquid, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
- Your veterinarian may give you a plan to slowly lower the dose over time (a taper). Follow that schedule exactly.
Side effects of Dexamethasone
Many unwanted effects can happen, especially if this medicine is used for a long time. The most common ones are increased hunger, increased thirst, and needing to urinate more.
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Small changes in behavior
- Increased hunger and thirst, especially in dogs
- Urinating more often, especially in dogs
- Panting, especially in dogs
Possible with long-term use – contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs:
- Weight gain or a round, “pot-bellied” look
- Changes to skin or coat, including hair loss
- Loss of muscle
- Weakness
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Black, tar-like stools or vomit with blood. These can be signs of sores or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
- Weight loss together with very increased hunger, thirst, or urination. These could be signs of high blood sugar or diabetes.
- Major behavior changes, such as aggression or threatening behavior.
At high doses, dexamethasone can reduce immune defenses, which can make infections more likely. It can also hide typical infection signs. Low energy may be the only sign you notice. Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet suddenly becomes low-energy.
If your pet has been receiving high doses of dexamethasone, vaccines may not work as well. Speak with your veterinarian about how to keep your pet protected while your pet is on this medicine.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
Your pet may begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days. After that, you should notice a slow improvement in your pet’s signs.
Your veterinarian may need to do follow-up testing to check how well this medicine is working.
The effects of this medicine can continue for a few days after the last dose.
If your pet’s liver does not work as well, the effects may last longer.
When stopping this medicine, the dose must be lowered slowly over time to avoid side effects.
Your veterinarian will give you instructions for lowering the dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian tells you.
Do not stop this medicine suddenly, especially if it has been used for more than 2 weeks.
Overdose
If you see or think there may have been an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply):
Have the medicine container or label available if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep in the original container at room temperature.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”