Dexamethasone (Generic) Tablets for Dogs & Cats, 1mg

Corticosteroid Tablets for Inflammation and Immune Conditions in Pets

Product Description

Dexamethasone 1mg Tablets are a prescription glucocorticoid corticosteroid used by veterinarians for dogs and cats. This powerful steroid targets inflammation and helps bring overactive immune responses under control across the body. It treats a wide range of conditions, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, skin disorders, respiratory conditions, and adrenal gland diseases. Given how broadly it affects the body, a veterinarian will only prescribe it when there is a clear need.

Benefits

• Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effect: Brings down inflammation across the body, helping keep conditions like allergies, arthritis, and skin disorders in check.
• Immune System Suppression: Dials back overactive immune responses seen in conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats.
• Adrenal Disease Support: Used to help diagnose and manage adrenal gland diseases, including Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome testing.
• Cancer Treatment Aid: Part of multi-drug treatment plans for certain cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia in companion animals.
• Nervous System Use: Helps manage inflammation tied to spinal cord and brain conditions such as IVDD and brain swelling in pets.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Dexamethasone

How to Use

Dexamethasone 1mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian's prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Tucking this tablet into a soft pill pocket or pill wrap treat is a simple way to get your pet to take their dose without the fuss. Pairing it with food is a good move too, since it can take the edge off any stomach discomfort.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Never Stop Abruptly: Past two weeks of use, this medication needs a slow taper to prevent dangerous adrenal insufficiency from setting in.
• Avoid With NSAIDs: Combining dexamethasone with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs puts pets at a much higher risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Avoid in Fungal Infections: Should not be used in pets with systemic fungal infections unless antifungal treatment is also being given alongside it.
• Avoid in Pregnancy: This medication can bring on premature labor in pregnant animals and needs careful veterinary review before any use.
• Caution in Cats: Cats have a higher chance of developing diabetes mellitus on corticosteroids and need close monitoring throughout the treatment period.
• Live Vaccine Interaction: Live virus vaccines should not be given during dexamethasone treatment, as the vaccine response may be weakened.
• Many Drug Interactions: Interacts with furosemide, insulin, phenobarbital, cyclosporine, ketoconazole, and a number of other commonly used pet medications.

Possible Side Effects

• Increased Thirst and Urination: A noticeable rise in drinking, urination, and appetite is something many pets experience at any dose of this medication.
• Digestive Upset: Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and restlessness can show up as side effects, more so at higher or prolonged doses.
• Gastrointestinal Ulcers: Black tarry stools or bloody vomit can point to serious ulceration and need immediate veterinary attention without delay.
• Long-Term Effects: Ongoing use over time may bring on muscle weakness, hair loss, liver impairment, weight gain, and behavioral shifts in pets.
• Liver Enzyme Elevation: Liver enzyme levels often go up during treatment, anywhere from a mild increase to more notable liver involvement in some cases.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Tablets do best stored between 59°F and 86°F inside a tightly closed container, away from excess heat.
• Protect From Moisture and Light: Humidity and direct sunlight can affect how well the tablets hold up, so keep them in a dry, shaded spot.
• Out of Reach: Keep this medication somewhere that children and untreated animals in the home cannot get to it.

NOTE: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What conditions does dexamethasone treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: Dexamethasone is prescribed for a broad set of conditions in pets, covering allergies, autoimmune diseases, skin disorders, respiratory conditions, spinal cord inflammation, adrenal gland diseases, and certain cancers. A veterinarian will assess whether it is the right fit based on your pet's specific diagnosis.

Q2: Can dexamethasone be stopped suddenly in dogs and cats?

Ans: No, cutting this medication off after more than two weeks of use can leave the adrenal glands unable to function on their own. Your veterinarian will put together a gradual tapering plan to bring the dose down safely when it is time to stop.

Q3: Can dexamethasone be given with other pet medications?

Ans: Dexamethasone interacts with many medications, including NSAIDs, insulin, furosemide, phenobarbital, cyclosporine, and certain antifungals. Combining it with NSAIDs carries a serious risk of gastrointestinal ulceration. Always give your veterinarian a full picture of every medication your pet is currently on before starting dexamethasone.

Q4: What are the most common side effects of dexamethasone in pets?

Ans: A noticeable increase in thirst, urination, and appetite is what most pets experience at any dose. At higher or longer doses, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, muscle weakness, hair loss, and elevated liver enzymes may also develop. Flag any concerning signs to your veterinarian promptly.

Q5: Is dexamethasone safe for cats?

Ans: Dexamethasone can be used in cats, but calls for extra care, as corticosteroid use raises their chances of developing diabetes mellitus. Cats with viral or fungal infections should not be given this medication. A veterinarian will carefully weigh whether dexamethasone is the right choice for each individual cat.