Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Dexamethasone otic is a steroid medication used off-label in pets or in a veterinary-compounded formulation to treat topical inflammation of the ears, often with other medications such as antibiotics. There are no veterinary brands of dexamethasone otic.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication should take effect within 1-2 hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
If you miss an application of dexamethasone otic, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two applications at once.
Dexamethasone otic may cause the following side effects:
The following reactions are rare. If they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:
Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.
This moderate-acting medication should stop working within a few days, although the effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Dexamethasone otic should NOT BE USED in:
Dexamethasone otic should be USED WITH CAUTION in:
Prolonged use of glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, both orally and topically, can suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary axis (HPA) which may lead to the development of diseases of the pituitary and adrenal gland such as Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism).
Certain medications may interact with dexamethasone otic and so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is using before starting any new treatment.
Do not give other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) with dexamethasone otic unless instructed by your veterinarian.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Aug 22, 2024.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Species
View All
© 2025 Hard Rock Animal Hospital. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites