Prednisolone/Prednisone

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Your pet has been prescribed prednisone, a glucocorticoid used to treat many conditions.

Adverse effects:

Adverse effects are generally associated with long-term administration of prednisone, especially if given at high daily doses.

When administered to young, growing animals, prednisone can slow growth. 

In dogs, polydipsia (PD), polyphagia (PP), and polyuria (PU) may be seen with short-term therapy, as well as with maintenance therapy. Adverse effects can include: dull, dry hair coat, weight gain, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, gastrointestinal ulceration (especially with high dosages), hypercoagulability, lipidemias, activation or worsening of diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, and behavioral changes (depression, lethargy, viciousness).

With the exception of PU/PD/PP, adverse effects associated with anti-inflammatory therapy are relatively uncommon. Adverse effects associated with immunosuppressive doses are more common and potentially more severe.

Cats tend to develop fewer adverse effects than dogs. Glucocorticoids appear to have a greater hyperglycemic effect in cats than other species, increasing the risk of diabetes mellitus. Occasionally, PU/PD/PP, weight, diarrhea, or depression can be seen. Long-term, high dose therapy can lead to “Cushingoid” effects.

Do not stop therapy abruptly without veterinarian’s guidance as serious side effects could occur.

Storage and handling:

Prednisone tablets should be stored in well-closed containers. Store at temperatures <40°; preferably between 15-30°C; avoid freezing liquid products. Oral liquid preparations of prednisone should be stored in tight containers. Do not refrigerate prednisolone syrup.

Please see the prescription label for dosing information and means of administration.

Always follow the label instructions. Never administer any medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Keep out of reach of children.

Plumb, D. C. (2015). Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 8^th edition. accessed via Veterinary Information Network; vin.com

Extra-label drug use

Extra-label drug use, also referred to as “off-label use” refers to the use of a drug approved by Health Canada in an animal in a manner not in accordance with the label or package insert with respect to species, indication, dose, duration, and route of administration.

A drug used in an extra-label manner does not have proven safety or efficacy characteristic based on its intended use.

The availability of approved veterinary drugs for the species being treated is always considered before prescribing medication in an extra-label manner.

With the limited approved veterinary drugs, extra-label drug use often involves the use medications made for other species (including humans) in our pets.