Dexafort (dexamethasone) Sterile Solution, 50ml (1.7oz)
Composition and form of release
Dexafort is a hormonal drug-containing in 1 ml as active ingredients 2.67 mg of dexamethasone phenylpropionate and 1.32 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, as well as auxiliary components: 4.0 mg of sodium chloride, 11.4 mg of sodium citrate, 10, 4 mg benzyl alcohol, 0.4 mg methylcellulose MH 50 and water for injection up to 1 ml. It is a sterile white suspension for injection. During storage, the formation of a precipitate is allowed, which, when shaken, breaks into a uniform suspension. Packaged in 50 ml glass bottles, which are packed in cardboard boxes.
Pharmacological properties
Dexamethasone, which is part of the drug, is a synthetic analog of cortisol, a glucocorticosteroid hormone of the adrenal cortex. It has a more pronounced glucocorticosteroid effect, has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, desensitizing and anti-allergic effects. The mechanism of action of the hormone is to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators by eosinophils and mast cells. Dexamethasone acts at all stages of the inflammatory process: it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins at the level of arachidonic acid, the synthesis of “pro-inflammatory cytokines” (interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, etc.), and also increases the resistance of the cell membrane to the action of various damaging factors.
Dexafort stimulates the steroid receptors of lymphocytes, promoting the formation of lipocortins, which have anti-edema activity. It inhibits the proliferation of lymphoid tissue and cellular immunity, and also disrupts the kinetics of T-lymphocytes, reducing their cytotoxic activity. B-lymphocytes are more resistant to the action of glucocorticoids, but the administration of the drug in high doses leads to a decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins, which is associated with an initial increase in their catabolism and subsequent inhibition of synthesis. Dexafort is distinguished by its speed of action and duration of the effect.
After intramuscular administration, dexamethasone sodium phosphate begins to be rapidly absorbed from the injection site. Dexamethasone phenylpropionate is absorbed more slowly and provides a lasting effect. The maximum concentration of dexamethasone in the blood plasma is detected after 60 minutes. The therapeutic concentration in the blood serum is maintained for 30 – 96 hours, depending on the type of animal. Intramuscular bioavailability is 100%. Biotransformation of dexamethasone occurs in the liver and partly in fibroblasts involved in the metabolic process. Metabolites are mainly excreted in feces and urine.
Indications
Prescribed to cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats for the treatment of inflammatory processes and diseases with allergic and autoimmune etiology (allergic dermatitis, eczema, post-traumatic edema, bronchial asthma, joint diseases, acute mastitis).
Doses and method of administration
Dexafort is administered intramuscularly to cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, intramuscularly or subcutaneously to dogs and cats in the following doses: cattle and horses – 10 ml, calves, foals, sheep, goats and pigs – 1 – 3 ml, dogs – 0.5 – 1 ml, cats – 0.25 – 0.5 ml. If necessary, the drug is used again after 7 days. Before each use, the vial with dexafort is shaken thoroughly until a uniform suspension is obtained. In the treatment of inflammations complicated by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic bacterial microflora, dexafort is prescribed only in combination with antibacterial drugs of a wide spectrum of action.
*Kilograms to Pounds conversion table
Kilograms (kg) | Pounds (lb) | Pounds+Ounces (lb+oz) |
0.1 kg | 0.220 lb | 0 lb 3.527 oz |
1 kg | 2.205 lb | 2 lb 3.274 oz |
5 kg | 11.023 lb | 11 lb 0.370 oz |
10 kg | 22.046 lb | 22 lb 0.740 oz |
Side effects
Polyuria (increased urine production), polydipsia (intense, unquenchable thirst), and polyphagia (excessive feed intake) are possible. Long-term use can cause Cushing’s syndrome, clinically manifested by intense thirst, frequent urination with urinary incontinence both during the day and at night, extensive symmetrical baldness, increased appetite, drowsiness, muscle weakness, saggy belly, weight loss, and osteoporosis. The use of corticosteroids in lactating cows can lead to a short-term decrease in milk production. The use of corticosteroids to induce labor can cause a decrease in fetal viability as well as an increased incidence of the delayed placenta.
Contraindications
Increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. It is forbidden to apply dexafort to pregnant animals in the last trimester of pregnancy, as this can lead to premature birth or abortion. Do not prescribe Dexafort at the same time as vaccines due to the immunosuppressive effect of corticosteroids. Should not be used on animals with viral and fungal diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, hyperadrenocorticism, kidney disease or heart failure. Dexafort should be administered with great care to pregnant animals in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.
special instructions
Slaughter of cattle for meat is allowed after 48 days, horses – 24 days after the last use of the drug. Milk from cows within 5 days after the last injection of the drug is prohibited for human consumption, such milk can be used in animal feed after heat treatment. The meat of animals that were forcedly killed before the expiration of the specified period can be used for the production of meat and bone meal.
Storage conditions
With precautions according to the list B. In a dry, dark place, out of reach of children and animals, at a temperature of 15 to 25 ° C.
The shelf life is 5 years. After opening the bottle, the drug should be used within 8 weeks, subject to the rules of asepsis.