Cortisone Acetate
Also known as: Cortisone
* **Strict Adherence**: It is critical to give this medication exactly as prescribed. **Do not stop the medication abruptly**, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Adverse Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite). If your pet is receiving higher doses, you may notice increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as panting. * **Veterinary Visits**: Keep all scheduled appointments for blood work (electrolytes) to ensure the dose is correct for your pet's needs. * **Stressful Events**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet is facing a stressful event (surgery, boarding, illness), as their dose may temporarily need to be increased.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Long-term treatment of hypoadrenocorticism (changeover period)
- Long-term treatment of hypoadrenocorticism (maintenance)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
- Polyuria/Polydipsia/Polyphagia (at supra-physiologic doses)
- Panting (at supra-physiologic doses)
- Immunosuppression (at supra-physiologic doses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cortisone acetate
- Systemic fungal infections (general corticosteroid contraindication)
- > **Laboratory Interference**: Cortisone cross-reacts with cortisol in the ACTH stimulation test. Baseline testing must be performed *before* administering cortisone (Note: Dexamethasone does not cross-react). * **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Excessive dosages early in pregnancy may lead to teratogenic effects. Glucocorticoids are necessary for normal fetal development, but high doses should be avoided. * **Nursing**: Unbound glucocorticoids enter milk. High doses or prolonged use may inhibit the growth of nursing newborns. * **Supra-physiologic Doses**: If used at higher than physiologic replacement doses, standard corticosteroid precautions apply (risk of iatrogenic Cushing's, immunosuppression, GI ulceration).
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Concomitant use may cause hypokalemia; risk of CHF and cardiac enlargement reported in humans.
- Aspirin: Glucocorticoids may reduce salicylate blood levels and increase risk for GI ulceration/bleeding.
- Diuretics, Potassium-Depleting (e.g., furosemide, thiazides): Concomitant administration may cause hypokalemia.
- Estrogens: May potentiate the effects of hydrocortisone/glucocorticoids.
- Insulin and Antidiabetic Agents: Insulin requirements may increase due to glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance.
- Mitotane: May alter steroid metabolism; higher doses of steroids may be needed to treat mitotane-induced adrenal insufficiency.
- NSAIDs: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
- Vaccines (Live attenuated): Virus replication may be augmented if given at immunosuppressive doses; diminished immune response to killed vaccines/toxoids.
- Warfarin: May affect INR values; requires monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cortisone Acetate used for in pets?
* **Strict Adherence**: It is critical to give this medication exactly as prescribed. **Do not stop the medication abruptly**, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Adverse Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite). If your pet is receiving higher doses, you may notice increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as panting. * **Veterinary Visits**: Keep all scheduled appointments for blood work (electrolytes) to ensure the dose is correct for your pet's needs. * **Stressful Events**: Contact your veterinarian if your pet is facing a stressful event (surgery, boarding, illness), as their dose may temporarily need to be increased.
Is Cortisone Acetate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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