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
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
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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