Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory and immune responses; inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis
At a glance
Class
Long-acting glucocorticoid
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Inflammatory and allergic dermatoses, immune-mediated conditions
Frequency
SID to BID (systemic); BID (topical)
Max dose
4 mg/dose; 8 mg/day
Duration: Short-term preferred; taper gradually
Inflammatory skin conditions, eosinophilic granuloma complex
Frequency
SID to BID (systemic); BID (topical)
Max dose
2 mg/dose; 4 mg/day
Duration: Short-term preferred; taper gradually
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
PU/PD
Polyphagia
Panting
Skin thinning (topical)
Serious
Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome
GI ulceration
Immunosuppression
Diabetes mellitus
Blood glucoseAdrenal functionBody weightSigns of infection
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory and immune responses; inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis
›What is Betamethasone used for in pets?
Betamethasone is used in veterinary medicine for: Inflammatory and allergic dermatoses, immune-mediated conditions; Inflammatory skin conditions, eosinophilic granuloma complex.
›What is the Betamethasone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Betamethasone is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory and allergic dermatoses, immune-mediated conditions: 0.01–0.1 mg/kg PO/IM/topical SID to BID (systemic); BID (topical). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Betamethasone dose for cats?
For cats, Betamethasone is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory skin conditions, eosinophilic granuloma complex: 0.01–0.1 mg/kg PO/IM/topical SID to BID (systemic); BID (topical). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Betamethasone?
Common: PU/PD, Polyphagia, Panting, Skin thinning (topical). Serious (call your vet immediately): Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, GI ulceration, Immunosuppression, Diabetes mellitus.
›Does Betamethasone need a prescription?
Yes. Betamethasone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Betamethasone not be used?
Do not use Betamethasone if: Systemic fungal infections.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database