Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone)

Understanding Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone)

Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) is a prescription-only veterinary medicine formulated specifically for dogs and cats. Dexamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticosteroid known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It works by suppressing inflammatory reactions regardless of their cause, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve the quality of life for pets suffering from chronic or acute conditions.

What Conditions Does Dexacortone 0.5mg Treat?

This medication is primarily used for the symptomatic treatment or as an adjunct (additional) treatment for a wide range of inflammatory and allergic conditions in both dogs and cats. These can include issues related to:

• Skin allergies and dermatitis
• Respiratory conditions involving inflammation
• Certain autoimmune disorders
• Other inflammatory responses as determined by a veterinary professional

It's important to remember that Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) aims to improve clinical signs rather than provide a cure for the underlying disease. Your veterinarian will determine if this medication is suitable for your pet and will combine its use with appropriate treatment for the root cause of the condition.

Administering Dexacortone 0.5mg Tablets

Dexacortone 0.5mg Tablets are chewable and have a cross-shaped break line, allowing them to be divided into two or four equal parts. This feature helps ensure accurate dosing as prescribed by your vet. For detailed administration instructions, please refer to the 'Directions' section below or the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided by your veterinarian.

As a Vet POM, Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) requires a valid veterinary prescription to purchase. Weldricks Pharmacy makes it easy to fulfil your pet's prescription online with reliable UK delivery, ensuring your pet gets the care they need with confidence and convenience.

• Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) is for oral use only in dogs and cats.
• The exact dose (0.05-0.2 mg/kg/day) and duration of treatment must be determined by your veterinarian.
• Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period.
• Once the desired effect is achieved, the dose should be gradually reduced until the lowest effective dose is maintained.
• Dogs should be treated in the morning, and cats in the evening, taking into account their natural cortisol rhythms.
• Dividing the tablets for accurate dosing:
  • Place the tablet on a flat surface with its scored side facing up and the convex (rounded) side facing the surface.
  • For 2 equal parts: Press down with your thumbs on both sides of the tablet.
  • For 4 equal parts: Press down with your thumb in the middle of the tablet.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) should only be used under strict veterinary guidance. Please read the following warnings carefully:

Contraindications (Do NOT use if):

• Your animal has viral or mycotic (fungal) infections.
• Your animal has diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease).
• Your animal has osteoporosis.
• Your animal has cardiac or renal (kidney) dysfunction.
• Your animal has corneal ulcers or gastro-intestinal ulceration.
• Your animal has burns.
• Being used concomitantly with attenuated live vaccine, or within two weeks after vaccination.
• Your animal has glaucoma.
• Your animal is pregnant (see 'Use during pregnancy, lactation' below).
• There is a known hypersensitivity to Dexamethasone, other corticosteroids, or any of the excipients.

Special Precautions for Animal Use:

• Corticoid administration aims to improve clinical signs, not to cure the underlying disease. Treatment should always be combined with appropriate therapy for the primary condition and/or environmental control.
• If bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections are present, they should be treated concurrently with suitable antimicrobial, antiparasitic, or antifungal therapy.
• Use with special care in animals with a weakened immune system.
• Corticoids can exacerbate proteinaceous catabolism; use with caution in old or malnourished animals.
• Use with caution in patients with hypertension.
• In young animals (under 7 months), use should be based on a careful benefit/risk assessment by the veterinarian, as glucocorticosteroids can slow growth.
• Pharmacologically-active doses may lead to adrenal cortex atrophy and insufficiency, especially after withdrawal. Dosage should be gradually reduced when stopping treatment to avoid this.
• Avoid long-term oral corticosteroid use if possible. If long-term use is necessary, a shorter-acting corticosteroid (e.g., prednisolone) may be more appropriate for alternate-day therapy. Dexamethasone's long duration of effect makes alternate-day therapy unsuitable for adrenal axis recovery.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects) in Dogs and Cats:

Like all medicines, Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone) can cause side effects. The most common include:

• Cortisol suppression
• Elevated triglyceride levels

Less common or undetermined frequency side effects may include:

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Increased appetite (polyphagia), increased thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria)
• Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), Diabetes mellitus
• Excitation, gastrointestinal ulceration, pancreatitis, enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
• Changes in blood biochemical and haematological parameters
• Hypothyroidism, elevated parathyroid concentration
• Inhibition of longitudinal growth of bones, cutaneous calcinosis, skin thinning, delayed healing, immunosuppression, weakened resistance to or exacerbation of existing infections
• Sodium and water retention, hypokalaemia

Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids like Dexamethasone have a wide range of side effects, especially with long-term use. If you notice any adverse reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Use During Pregnancy, Lactation or Lay:

• Do not use in pregnant animals. Studies show administration during early pregnancy may cause foetal abnormalities, and later stages may cause abortion or early parturition.
• During lactation, its use should only be considered by a veterinarian after a careful benefit-risk assessment.

Interactions with Other Medicinal Products:

• Phenytoin, barbiturates, ephedrine, and rifampicin may reduce Dexamethasone's effectiveness.
• Concomitant use with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal tract ulceration.
• Dexamethasone can reduce the immune response to vaccination; do not use it with vaccines or within two weeks post-vaccination.
• Administration with cardiac glycosides or potassium-depleting diuretics may increase the risk of hypokalaemia (low potassium).

Special Precautions for Persons Administering the Product:

• Dexamethasone can cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. Avoid skin contact, especially if you have a known hypersensitivity to Dexamethasone or any excipients (e.g., povidone or lactose).
• Wash hands thoroughly after use.
• In case of skin contact or hypersensitivity reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
• This veterinary medicinal product may be harmful to children if accidentally ingested. Do not leave unattended tablets.
• Return unused part-tabl

Ingredients of Dexacortone 1 Tablet 0.5mg (Dexamethasone)

Each tablet contains:

• Active substance: Dexamethasone 0.5 mg
• Excipients:
  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Potato starch
  • Povidone K30
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Chicken Flavour
  • Yeast (dried)