Flumethasone
Also known as: Flucort, Cerson, Locacorten, Locacortene, Locorten, Locortene, Lorinden
Flumethasone is a potent steroid medication used to rapidly reduce inflammation, treat severe allergies, or manage certain skin and joint conditions. * **Follow Instructions Carefully**: Give the exact dose prescribed. **Do not stop this medication abruptly** without consulting your veterinarian, as sudden withdrawal can cause a life-threatening crisis due to the body's temporary inability to produce its own natural steroids. * **Expected Side Effects**: You may notice your pet drinking more water, urinating more frequently, and having an increased appetite. Panting is also common in dogs. * **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian if side effects become severe, if your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, dark/tarry stools (a sign of stomach ulcers), extreme lethargy, or behavioral changes (like unusual aggression or depression). * **Immune System**: Because this drug suppresses the immune system, keep your pet away from sick animals and consult your vet before any vaccinations.
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
- Labeled indications (acute and chronic dermatoses)
- Labeled indications (acute and chronic dermatoses)
- General anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive
- Labeled indications (musculoskeletal conditions, allergic states)
- General anti-inflammatory
- Labeled indications (musculoskeletal conditions, dermatoses, allergic states, shock)
- Labeled indications
- Labeled indications (joint inflammation)
- Labeled indications (localized lesions)
- General anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Polydipsia (PD), polyuria (PU), and polyphagia (PP)
- Weight gain and lipidemias
- Dull, dry haircoat and dermatological thinning
- Panting
- Gastrointestinal effects: vomiting, diarrhea, GI ulceration
- Hepatopathy: elevated liver enzymes (ALP, ALT)
- Pancreatitis
- Endocrine: activation or worsening of diabetes mellitus, iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (Cushingoid effects) with sustained use
- Musculoskeletal: muscle wasting, retarded growth in young animals
- Behavioral changes: depression, lethargy, viciousness
- Immunosuppression: increased susceptibility to infections
Cautions & contraindications
- Last trimester of pregnancy (may induce parturition)
- Systemic fungal infections (unless used for Addison's replacement therapy)
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenia (specifically contraindicated for IM administration)
- Known hypersensitivity to the compound
- Chronic corticosteroid therapy of systemic diseases using sustained-release injectable forms
- **Tapering Required**: Animals that have received systemic glucocorticoids (other than short 'burst' therapy) must be tapered off slowly to allow endogenous ACTH and corticosteroid function to recover. **Stress Dosing**: If an animal undergoes a 'stressor' (e.g., surgery, trauma, illness) during the tapering process or before normal adrenal/pituitary function resumes, additional glucocorticoids should be administered. **Pregnancy Warning**: Corticosteroid therapy may induce parturition in large animal species during the latter stages of pregnancy. Categorized as Class C for canine and feline pregnancy (use cautiously as a last resort when benefits clearly outweigh risks).
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Administered concomitantly with glucocorticoids may cause hypokalemia
- Anticholinesterase agents (e.g., pyridostigmine, neostigmine): In patients with myasthenia gravis, concomitant administration may lead to profound muscle weakness. Discontinue anticholinesterase at least 24 hours prior if possible.
- Aspirin: Glucocorticoids may reduce salicylate blood levels
- Barbiturates: May increase the metabolism of glucocorticoids and decrease flumethasone blood levels
- Cyclophosphamide: Glucocorticoids may inhibit the hepatic metabolism of cyclophosphamide; dosage adjustments may be required
- Cyclosporine: Concomitant administration may increase the blood levels of each by mutually inhibiting hepatic metabolism
- Diazepam: Flumethasone may decrease diazepam levels
- Diuretics, potassium-depleting (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene): Administered concomitantly with glucocorticoids may cause hypokalemia
- Ephedrine: May reduce flumethasone blood levels
- Insulin: Insulin requirements may increase in patients receiving glucocorticoids
Frequently asked questions
What is Flumethasone used for in pets?
Flumethasone is a potent steroid medication used to rapidly reduce inflammation, treat severe allergies, or manage certain skin and joint conditions. * **Follow Instructions Carefully**: Give the exact dose prescribed. **Do not stop this medication abruptly** without consulting your veterinarian, as sudden withdrawal can cause a life-threatening crisis due to the body's temporary inability to produce its own natural steroids. * **Expected Side Effects**: You may notice your pet drinking more water, urinating more frequently, and having an increased appetite. Panting is also common in dogs. * **When to Call the Vet**: Contact your veterinarian if side effects become severe, if your pet develops vomiting, diarrhea, dark/tarry stools (a sign of stomach ulcers), extreme lethargy, or behavioral changes (like unusual aggression or depression). * **Immune System**: Because this drug suppresses the immune system, keep your pet away from sick animals and consult your vet before any vaccinations.
Is Flumethasone 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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