For: Cats, Dogs, and Horses
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory and allergy conditions as well as other diseases. It’s anti-inflammatory attributes are approximately four times more effective than hydrocortisone. Corticosteroids are extremely effective anti-inflammatory drugs because they affect the inflammatory process on many different levels.
Benefits:
- Treats a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
- Relieves itchy skin and swelling caused by allergies
- Reduces redness, itching, and allergic reactions affecting the eyes
How does Prednisone work?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, which suppresses the inflammatory response to a variety of agents. Prednisone can also be used as an immunosuppressive drug for organ transplants and in cases of adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).
Cautions:
Without first talking to your veterinarian, don’t give your pet any over-the-counter or other prescription medications while giving Prednisone. There are possible side effects, including insomnia, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and fatigue. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or any other medical conditions. Chronic or inappropriate use of corticosteroids, including prednisone, can cause life-threatening hormonal and metabolic changes. Corticosteroids suppress immune response. Animals receiving systemic corticosteroids may be more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Animals in hepatic failure should receive prednisolone rather than prednisone. Corticosteroids should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Large doses in early pregnancy may be teratogenic. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Prednisone to my pet?
Do not give Prednisone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Prednisone weakens the pet’s immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other medical conditions. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should Prednisone be given?
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Prednisone should be given with food.
What are the potential side effects of Prednisone?
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Prednisone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Prednisone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that occur rarely, usually with high doses of Prednisone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Prednisone?
If you give one dose daily, give the missed dose as soon as remembered. However, if you don’t remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and give only the regular daily dose. If you give more than one dose daily, either give the missed dose as soon as remembered, or give two doses the next dose time. If you give one dose every other day, give the missed dose as soon as remembered, then go back to the regular every other day schedule.
What happens if I overdose my pet on Prednisone?
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
What should I avoid while giving Prednisone to my pet?
Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.
What other drugs will affect Prednisone?
Do not give any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with Prednisone without first talking to your veterinarian. Many other medications can interact with Prednisone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.
