Dexamethasone Compounded Oral Suspension

Description

Dexamethasone Compounded Oral Suspension is a prescription corticosteroid prepared for animals requiring an individualized oral dosage form. Veterinarians may prescribe dexamethasone for conditions involving inflammation, allergic responses, or excessive immune activity.

Dexamethasone is a potent, long acting glucocorticoid. This compounded oil based suspension provides an alternative administration option when a commercially available medication is not appropriate for the individual animal.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps reduce inflammation

• Helps control allergic and inflammatory responses

• Provides immunosuppressive activity when prescribed for appropriate conditions

• May be prescribed for certain inflammatory gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatologic, or immune mediated conditions

• Allows individualized veterinarian directed therapy

• Provides an oral liquid option for animals that have difficulty taking tablets

How It Works

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid. It alters inflammatory and immune responses by affecting gene expression and reducing the production and activity of inflammatory mediators. These actions produce potent anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Indications

Inflammatory Conditions / Allergic Conditions / Immune Mediated Conditions / Certain Types of Colitis / Other Veterinarian Directed Uses

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Dexamethasone

Inactive Ingredients:

Refer to pharmacy dispensing information for complete inactive ingredient information.

Directions

Follow the prescription label exactly and veterinarian directions.

Handling of Your Oil Based Compounded Liquid

Oil based compounded suspensions may naturally separate while standing. This separation is normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the medication.

• Shake the bottle vigorously before every dose to thoroughly redistribute the medication.

• Make sure the liquid appears evenly mixed before withdrawing a dose.

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

• Do not add water or other liquids to the medication.

• If the suspension does not mix evenly after thorough shaking, contact the dispensing pharmacy before administering.

Dosing Instructions

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose.

2. Insert the tip of the provided oral dosing syringe into the bottle adapter.

3. Turn the bottle upside down while holding the syringe securely in place.

4. Slowly pull back the syringe plunger to withdraw the exact amount prescribed by your veterinarian.

5. Check the syringe for large air bubbles and adjust the amount if necessary.

6. Return the bottle to an upright position before removing the syringe.

7. Administer the medication slowly into the side of your pet's mouth, allowing time to swallow.

8. Replace the bottle cap securely after use.

Use only an appropriately sized oral dosing syringe marked in milliliters (mL). Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons.

Do not change the prescribed amount, frequency, or duration of treatment without veterinarian direction.

Caring for Your Dosing Syringe

• After each dose, remove the syringe from the bottle adapter.

• Wipe away medication residue from the outside of the syringe.

• Clean the syringe according to the dispensing pharmacy's instructions and the syringe manufacturer's recommendations.

• If washing is permitted, rinse with lukewarm water and allow the syringe to air dry completely before reuse.

• Do not boil, microwave, or place the syringe in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.

• Do not use harsh cleaning agents or chemicals.

• Replace the syringe if the measurement markings become difficult to read, the plunger no longer moves smoothly, or the syringe becomes damaged.

Cautions

• Prescription medication.

• For veterinary use only.

• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

• Use cautiously in animals with diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, heart disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, or active infections.

• Corticosteroids may suppress normal immune responses and increase susceptibility to infection.

• Do not administer with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

• Long term corticosteroid treatment may suppress normal adrenal gland function.

• Do not abruptly discontinue prolonged therapy unless directed by your veterinarian.

• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the animal receives.

Possible Side Effects

Increased Thirst / Increased Urination / Increased Appetite / Panting / Vomiting / Diarrhea / Weight Gain / Muscle Weakness / Increased Susceptibility to Infection / Delayed Wound Healing / Gastrointestinal Ulceration or Bleeding / Elevated Liver Enzymes / Adrenal Suppression / Signs of Cushing Syndrome With Prolonged Use

Precautions

The risks associated with dexamethasone depend on the dose, duration of treatment, underlying condition, and individual animal. Prolonged or high dose treatment increases the likelihood of corticosteroid related adverse effects.

Long term glucocorticoid therapy may suppress normal adrenal gland function. Abrupt withdrawal following prolonged treatment can result in adrenal insufficiency, so gradual dose reduction may be required under veterinarian supervision.

Use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals only when the veterinarian determines that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Because this is a compounded medication, use only the formulation dispensed for the individual animal. Do not substitute another concentration or dosage form without veterinarian authorization.

Storage

This compounded oil based oral suspension does not require refrigeration and may be stored at room temperature. Keep the container securely closed and follow the prescription label for specific storage instructions.

Shake thoroughly before every dose. Store the medication upright when possible and protect it from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and freezing.

Do not use after the beyond use date printed on the prescription label.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired Dexamethasone Compounded Oral Suspension through a medication take-back program when available or according to applicable local medication disposal requirements. Keep discarded medication, syringes, and packaging securely inaccessible to children and animals.