Dexacoid

Category: steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pharmaceutical form: Sterile Injectable Solution.

Composition: Dexamethasone base 4 mg/ml as sodium phosphate.

MECHANISM OF ACTIONS:
Dexamethasone is a fluoro-methyl derivative of prednisolone which exhibits potent gluconeogenic,anti-inflammatory and anti-shock properties.Steroid hormones are known to exist in plasma,bound partly to albumin but mainly to a transport protein (in the case of cortisol, a- globulin called transcortin ).This complex releases the steroid at appropriate cells which the steroid then enters.  Inside the cell,the steroid reacts with a specific receptor protein which then undergoes a conformational change.within the nucleus the complex,its binding sites now exposed, become attached to a chromatin protein and DNA . In this position the synthesis of proteins is influenced by an action which increases the transcription of mRNA, perhaps due to a de-repressing action of the complex on the appropriate part of the genome, e.g. leading in the liver to the synthesis of enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. In the adrenal medulla, the synthesis of the enzymes which converts noradrenaline to adrenaline is stimulated by corticosteroids.In other tissues, e.g the skin, glucocorticoids cause a reduction in DNA synthesis and cell division.

PHARMCOKINETICS:
Dexamethasone is readily absorbed when given parenterally then its bonds to specific proteins of plasm (a- globulin) namely transcortin which is reversible bounding. The half life is 3-4.5 hours. Dexamethasone is rapidly metabolized in liver to inactive metabolites. This is excreted by kidneys.

INDICATIONS:
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid with an extremely potent anti-inflammatory activity .It is used to suppress inflammation in arthritic conditions and dermatoses and for its glucogenic activity in bovine ketosis. It is indicated in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic conditions, acetonaemia, non-specific dermatoses, shock and stress.
Dexamethasone can induce premature parturition in cattle, sheep, and goats

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

CATTLE:
1- Induction of parturition: 5-7.5ml, by IM injection per 24 hours
2- Anti-inflammatory dose: 0.02-2mg/kg bodyweight by IM or IV injection per 24 hours
3- Ketosis: 5-20mg equivalent 1-4ml by IM injection per 24 hours
4- Shock: 4-6mg per kg bodyweight by IV or IM injection.

HORSES:
1-Anti-inflammatory dose: 0.01-0.2mg per kg bodyweight every 24 hrs by IM or IV injection.
2-shock: 0.5-2mg/kg bodyweight by IM or IV injection.

DOGS, Cats: 0.125 -1mg per animal by IM injection

ADVERSE AND COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:
High, continued doses can cause suppression of adrenocortical function. Use of dexamethasone in horses under certain conditions has been associated with the occurrence of laminitis, possibly due to increased vascular reactivity to biogenic amines.

Contra- Indication, warning , etc:
Corticosteroids should not be used in bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections unless concurrent anti-infective agents are used. Clinical signs may abate with their use, but with their sole use the underlying disease remains active. Corticosteroids give to animal in the last trimester of pregnancy can induce premature parturition and predispose to retained placenta and metritis.Dexamethasone may delay wound healing.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Corticosteroid actions are potentiated by erythromycin, possibly by interference, with metabolism of the corticosteroids. Concurrent use of NSAID may increase the potential for gastro-intestinal ulceration. Live attenuated-virus vaccines should generally not be given to animals receiving corticosteroid drugs.

WITHDRAWAL TIME:

Milk: 3days after last treatment.

Meat: 8days after last treatment.

Pharmaceutical precautions:
Store at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Package quantities: 20ml vial