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Dexamethasone (brand names Azium®, Dexasone®, Decadron®, Dexium®, Dexameth-a-Vet®, Dex-a-vet®, Maxidex®, Neofordex®, Hexadrol®) is a glucocorticoid steroid medication used to treat many inflammatory conditions, patients with adrenal gland disease, and patients with immune-mediated diseases. It can also be used to diagnose Cushing’s disease (see handout "Dexamethasone Suppression Tests" for information about this diagnostic use of dexamethasone).
Its use in cats, dogs, other small mammals, and large animals to treat inflammatory conditions and other conditions is “off label” or “extra label”. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow. Do not stop this medication abruptly if your pet has been taking it for more than 2 weeks.
If you miss a dose, 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 doses at once.
Dexamethasone may cause the following side effects at any dose:
Dexamethasone may cause the following side effects at higher doses and with prolonged chronic use:
SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS MAY OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving dexamethasone and contact your veterinarian immediately:
This medication can also interfere with certain lab tests, including:
This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Dexamethasone should NOT BE USED in:
Dexamethasone should be USED WITH CAUTION in:
Do not stop this medication abruptly after long-term use (greater than two weeks); taper slowly to avoid complications.
The following medications should be used with caution when given with dexamethasone:
NSAIDs should NEVER be given concurrently with dexamethasone.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Depending on the pet's health status, as well as medication dosage and duration, your veterinarian should monitor your pet’s:
Your veterinarian may also monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
Watch for signs of swelling, and in young animals, watch for proper growth and development.
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.
© 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. Last updated on Aug 2, 2024.
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