Dexacort 2 (Canada)

Company: Rafter 8

Dexamethasone injection, Mfr. Std.

Veterinary Use Only

STERILE

DIN 02350823

Active ingredient (per mL):

2 mg dexamethasone, Ph. Eur. (as disodium phosphate)

Preservatives (per mL):

1 mg methylparahydroxybenzoate

0.1 mg propylparahydroxybenzoate

Dexacort 2 Indications

Dexacort 2 is a corticosteroid indicated as an aid in the treatment of bovine ketosis and as an anti-inflammatory agent in dogs, cats, cattle and horses. Small animal indications include inflammatory conditions involving the joints (where structural changes such as ankylosing joints, ruptured ligaments, sheaths, etc. do not exist) and nonspecific dermatitis. Equine indications include bursitis, carpitis, osselets, tendinitis, myositis, sprains and as supportive therapy in fatigue, heat exhaustion and acute infectious diseases. If bony changes exist in any of these conditions, a response to Dexacort 2 cannot be expected.

Dosage and Administration

Therapy with Dexacort 2 should be individualized according to the severity of the condition being treated, the anticipated duration of steroid therapy and the patient’s threshold or tolerance for steroid excess. The lowest dose that will offer adequate relief in chronic conditions should be the dose employed. Large doses, however, may be necessary and in such instances, the patient must be closely observed for the occurrence of side effects. Acute conditions sometimes demand the use of larger doses for a short period of time in order to obtain the necessary degree of relief. When side effects occur, it may be necessary to reduce the dose of the drug or to discontinue therapy.

Administer intravenously or intramuscularly.

Dogs: 0.25 to 1.0 mg. The dose may be repeated if necessary.

Cats: 0.125 to 0.5 mg. The dose may be repeated if necessary.

Horses: 2.0 to 5.0 mg. The dose may be repeated if necessary.

Cattle: 5.0 to 20.0 mg. The dose may be repeated if necessary.

Note: When using Dexacort 2 as supportive therapy in horses, dogs and cats, the doses suggested above may be used. The use of the product does not preclude the necessity for employing standard therapy to combat the primary condition.

Cautions: All of the precautions and contraindications for adrenocortical hormones must be followed, taking into consideration that the warning signs of cortisone overdosage such as sodium retention, fluid retention, potassium loss, weight gain, etc. may not be present. Animals receiving the drug should be under close observation to detect any possible untoward effects.

One should consider the possibility that continuous large doses of Dexacort 2 will result in some depression of adrenocorticoid function and may produce adrenal atrophy. After long-term therapy, the drug should be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

As with all glucocorticoids, Dexacort 2 may mask the signs of infection or cause the onset of latent infections. For these reasons, it may be advisable to institute proper antibacterial therapy together with Dexacort 2. The possible action of Dexacort 2 in delaying wound healing should also be kept in mind.

Dexacort 2 is a synthetic analogue of prednisolone having similar, but more potent anti-inflammatory therapeutic action and diversified hormonal and metabolic effects.

Doses of Dexacort 2 above 5.0 mg, may produce transient drowsiness or lethargy in some horses. The lethargy usually abates within 24 hours.

As with any drug, animals receiving Dexacort 2 should be kept under close observation and the dosages recommended should not be exceeded.

The dosage of Dexacort 2 required is markedly lower than that of prednisolone. The sections on indications, dosage and precautions should be read before using this drug.

Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last stage of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use in horses that are to be slaughtered for use in food.

Storage

Store at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light. Keep from freezing.

Presentation: Available as 100 mL vials.

Rafter 8 Products, 87 Skyline Crescent N.E., Calgary, AB T2K 5X2

0029?.RA.1

CPN: 1219028.3