Dexacort Powder (Canada)

Company: Rafter 8

Dexamethasone powder

DIN 02349264

For Veterinary Use Only

Active ingredient (per 15 g sachet):

10 mg dexamethasone

Dexacort Powder Indications

For the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory conditions involving the joints and accessory structures in cattle and horses. For supportive therapy in pneumonia, rhinitis and other respiratory conditions, osteoarthritic lameness and various stress conditions in cattle and horses such as ketosis and metritis, dystocia, and retained placenta (cattle) and traumatic injuries to the appendicular skeleton (horses).

Dosage and Administration

Administer by drench or by sprinkling on a small amount of feed.

The dosage of Dexacort Powder must be individualized according to the severity of the condition, anticipated duration of therapy, tolerance to the steroid and the response obtained. Treatment may be changed to Dexacort Powder from any of the older corticosteroids with the proper reduction of dosage. Recommended dosages should not be exceeded.

Cattle: 5 to 10 mg on 1^st day, then 5 mg daily as required.

Horses: 5 to 10 mg daily in single or divided doses until a clinical response is noted.

If a response to Dexacort Powder is not achieved in 5 days, the possibility should be considered that the condition under treatment is not amenable to corticosteroid therapy and other therapy should be initiated. The use of oral dexamethasone is supportive therapy in animals with acute or chronic bacterial infections and does not eliminate the need to employ specific antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agents to combat the primary condition. All corticosteroids may mask signs of infection, therefore, if questionable findings occur, temporarily discontinue therapy with this product until a definite diagnosis is made.

Cautions: Because Dexacort Powder is an extremely potent drug with profound physiological effects, all precautions and contraindications for adrenocortical hormones must be observed. The warning signs of cortisone overdosage may not be present with dexamethasone therapy. In certain cases where large doses are required, the patient must be closely observed for side effects such as polyuria and polydipsia. When side effects occur, it may be necessary to reduce the dosage or to discontinue therapy. Continuous large doses of Dexacort Powder may result in some depression of adrenocortical function and may produce adrenal atrophy. Rest periods and stimulation of adrenocortical function with ACTH may be advisable. If long-term Dexacort Powder therapy is to be terminated, gradual withdrawal is recommended. Should the animal subsequently be subjected to shock or undue stress, temporary therapy with dexamethasone is recommended. The possible action of Dexacort Powder in delaying wound healing also should be considered.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

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

Presentation: Carton of 30 x 15 g sachets.

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

CPN: 1219030.3