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Corticosteroids
(Prednisone, Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone)
Common
Generic & Brand Names:
Prednisolone: Solu-Delta-Cortef Prednisone: Meticorten, Sterapred Dexamethasone:
Azium, Decadron Methylprednisolone: Depo-Medrol; Medrol Triamcinolone: Cortalone,
Vetalog Corticosteroids are also referred to as glucocorticosteroids,
glucocorticoids, or sometimes simply as steroids.
Storage:
Store at
room temperature, in tight, light resistant, childproof container.
Uses:
Corticosteroids are hormones used for the treatment of multiple conditions
including adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease); inflammation; autoimmune
diseases, such as lupus, pemphigus, and some anemias; allergies including atopy;
asthma; some cancers; and certain types of colitis and kidney diseases (nephrotic
syndrome).
Dose and
Administration:
Always
follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have
difficulties giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Dosage depends on
the product used. Your veterinarian may recommend starting at a higher dose and
then reducing the dose every few days to a week. If using the transdermal gel,
apply to the skin as directed by your veterinarian. If using an injectable form,
use a new, sterile needle and syringe each time, and follow the proper
technique, as directed by your veterinarian. Dispose of the needle and syringe
according to local regulations. If you miss a dose, contact your veterinarian to
determine the next dose. This medication should only be given to the pet for
whom it was prescribed.
Possible
Side Effects:
Side
effects are usually dose dependent. If side effects occur, contact your
veterinarian, who may decrease the dosage, frequency, or type of corticosteroid.
The most common side effects are increased appetite, drinking, and urination.
Your pet may have more “accidents” and need to go outside or use the litter box
more often. Less common side effects include weight gain, panting, diarrhea,
vomiting, and behavior changes. Side effects of long-term use include muscle
loss, weakness, and the development of diabetes or hyperadrenocorticism
(Cushing's disease). The typical signs of these diseases are increased thirst,
urination, and appetite. Animals with Cushing's disease may also develop thin
skin, a poor hair coat, and a “pot-belly.” Activation or worsening of
hypothyroidism or pancreatis. Immune system suppression may occur, especially on
higher doses, making a pet more susceptible to infection. Contact your
veterinarian if your pet has a fever (over 103° F), painful urination (a sign of
urinary tract infection), tiredness, sneezing, coughing, or runny eyes.
Precautions:
Not for
use in animals with systemic fungal infections, some types of mange (mites),
stomach ulcers, Cushing's disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or
congestive heart failure. Do not use in pregnant animals. May cause premature
birth. Can cause birth defects in dogs, rabbits, and rodents. If on long-term
therapy, do not discontinue the drug abruptly. The dose needs to be tapered off
over several weeks to allow the body to start making its own cortisol again. May
need to give additional steroids while tapering, if the animal is stressed. May
stunt growth if used in young, growing animals. Consult with your veterinarian
regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to
and during treatment with corticosteroids.
Drug,
Food, and Test Interactions:
Consult
your veterinarian before using corticosteroids with vitamins and supplements,
non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, carprofen (Novox
or Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), etodolac (EtoGesic), meloxicam (Metacam),
firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin); insulin, modified live vaccines,
phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, cyclosporine, estrogens, erythromycin, or
mitotane, amphotericin B, furosemide, or thiazide, since interactions may occur.
Corticosteroids may cause abnormal levels of hepatic enzymes, thyroid hormone,
cholesterol, and potassium in the blood, and can affect many laboratory tests.
Make sure your veterinarian knows your pet is taking corticosteroids prior to
testing.
Signs
of Toxicity/Overdose:
An acute
overdose is unlikely to cause problems. A chronic overdose is likely to cause
signs of Cushing's disease or diabetes mellitus; both diseases commonly cause
increased urinating, drinking, and eating. Abruptly stopping long-term treatment
may cause signs of Addison's disease, including vomiting, weakness, collapse and
sudden death. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you
observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets
** This information may not cover all possible uses,
directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or
withdrawal times. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice
concerning the treatment of your pet.
If you have questions about this
medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation
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