Dexafort

Dexafort is indicated for use as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent in horses, cattle, dogs and cats, and for the treatment of primary ketosis in cattle. The product can also be used to induce parturition in cattle.Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years. Shelf life after first opening the immediate packaging: 28 days Dexafort contains an aqueous, white suspension for injection containing dexamethasone phenylpropionate in a solution of Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 1.38 mg and Dexamethasone phenylpropionate 2.67 mg, Benzylalcohol 1% v/v is included as a preservative.

Dexafort Suspension for injection 50ML.

Presentation

An aqueous, white suspension for injection. Each ml contains:

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 1.38 mg

Dexamethasone phenylpropionate 2.67 mg

Preservative:

Benzyl alcohol 10.4 mg

Uses

Dexafort is indicated for use as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent in horses, cattle, dogs and cats, and for the treatment of primary ketosis in cattle. The product can also be used to induce parturition in cattle.

Dosage and administration

Shake vial before use.

Dexafort should be administered by intramuscular injection using normal aseptic techniques. To measure small volumes of less than 1 ml a suitably graduated syringe should be used to ensure accurate administration of the correct dose. Avoid accidental self-injection with this product.

For the treatment of inflammatory or allergic conditions

The following average doses are advised. However, the advised dose used should be determined by the severity of the signs and the length of time for which they have been present.

Species

Dosage

Horses, cattle

1 ml/50 kg

Dogs, cats

0.5 ml/10 kg

For the treatment of primary ketosis in cattle (acetonaemia)

A dose of 5-10 ml dependent on the size of the cow. Since blood sugar levels rise rapidly through the action of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and are maintained at a raised level for several days, the product is particularly useful in cases that present late and there is seldom a need to repeat the dose.

In the case of cows in poor bodily condition, to avoid prolonged stimulation of gluconeogenesis at the expense of body fat reserves, use a quick-acting corticosteroid only.

For the induction of parturition

Dexafort may be used to induce parturition in cattle in the last trimester and before day 260 of pregnancy. Where this is required e.g. in the cases of trauma to the cow or possibly because the date of calving is not known a single dose of 10 ml followed 6–12 days later by an injection of a short acting corticosteroid, is recommended. In the majority of cases parturition will be induced within 3 days of the second injection.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Contra-indications

Except in emergency situations the product should not be used in animals suffering from diabetes, chronic nephritis, renal disease, congestive heart failure, osteoporosis and in viral infections during the viraemic stage.

General warnings

1. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are known to exert a wide range of side-effects. Whilst single high doses are generally well tolerated, they may induce severe side-effects in long term use and when esters possessing a long duration of action are administered. Dosage in medium to long term use should therefore generally be kept to the minimum necessary to control clinical signs.Dexafort

2. Steroids themselves, during treatment, may cause Cushingoid symptoms involving significant alteration of fat, carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism, e.g. redistribution of body fat, muscle weakness and wastage and osteoporosis may result.