Dexamethasone
Aussi appelé: Decadron, Dexasone, Azium, Maxidex
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **Increased Thirst and Urination:** Your pet will likely drink much more water and need to urinate more frequently. Ensure they always have access to fresh water and provide extra bathroom breaks to prevent accidents. * **Increased Appetite:** Your pet may seem unusually hungry. Avoid overfeeding to prevent unwanted weight gain. * **Panting:** Dogs may pant more than usual; this is a common and generally harmless side effect. * **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** If your pet has been on this medication for more than a few days, **do not stop giving it suddenly**. The dose must be gradually tapered under veterinary supervision to allow your pet's body to resume its own natural steroid production. > **Warning:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice dark, tarry stools, vomiting (especially with blood), or extreme lethargy, as these can be signs of stomach ulcers.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Veterinary professional? See the full dosing-by-species reference on VetSheet →
What it is used for
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Polyuria (PU) and Polydipsia (PD)
- Polyphagia (increased appetite)
- Panting (especially in dogs)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome) with chronic use
- Secondary infections due to immunosuppression
- Delayed wound healing
- Muscle wasting and weakness
Cautions & contraindications
- Systemic fungal infections
- Active viral infections
- Corneal ulcers (especially for ophthalmic preparations)
- Concurrent use of NSAIDs
- Known hypersensitivity to the drug
- Use with extreme caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, renal disease, congestive heart failure, or active infections. **Do not stop abruptly** if used chronically; the dose must be tapered to avoid an Addisonian crisis (adrenal insufficiency). Avoid ophthalmic use if corneal ulceration is present.
Drug interactions
- NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, meloxicam): Significantly increased risk of severe gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
- Insulin: Dexamethasone induces insulin resistance, antagonizing the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and increasing requirements in diabetic patients.
- Phenobarbital: May induce hepatic enzymes, increasing the metabolism and clearance of dexamethasone.
- Diuretics (potassium-depleting): Increased risk of hypokalemia.
Questions fréquentes
What is Dexamethasone used for in pets?
Important Information for Pet Owners: • Increased Thirst and Urination: Your pet will likely drink much more water and need to urinate more frequently. Ensure they always have access to fresh water and provide extra bathroom breaks to prevent accidents. • Increased Appetite: Your pet may seem unusually hungry. Avoid overfeeding to prevent unwanted weight gain. • Panting: Dogs may pant more than usual; this is a common and generally harmless side effect. • Do Not Stop Abruptly: If your pet has been on this medication for more than a few days, do not stop giving it suddenly. The dose must be gradually tapered under veterinary supervision to allow your pet's body to resume its own natural steroid production. > Warning: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice dark, tarry stools, vomiting (especially with blood), or extreme lethargy, as these can be signs of stomach ulcers.
Is Dexamethasone 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.
Cet article est informatif et ne remplace pas un avis vétérinaire. Si votre animal est malade, consultez un vétérinaire.
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