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Flumethasone

Prescription
Potent Long-Acting Glucocorticoid
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Highly potent synthetic fluorinated glucocorticoid with approximately 15x the anti-inflammatory potency of cortisol and negligible mineralocorticoid activity. Very long biological half-life (~36h in dogs).

At a glance

Class
Potent Long-Acting Glucocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Very potent — small doses required
Dose
0.0625–0.25 mg/dog
Route
IV, IM
Frequency
q24h initially, taper
🐈

Cat

Same as dogs
Dose
0.03–0.125 mg/cat
Route
IV, IM
Frequency
q24h initially

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucoseBody weightSigns of infectionAdrenal function

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Flucort

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Flumethasone?
Flumethasone is a potent long-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Highly potent synthetic fluorinated glucocorticoid with approximately 15x the anti-inflammatory potency of cortisol and negligible mineralocorticoid activity. Very long biological half-life (~36h in dogs).
What is Flumethasone used for in pets?
Flumethasone is used in veterinary medicine for: Very potent — small doses required; Same as dogs.
What is the Flumethasone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Flumethasone is typically dosed as follows — Very potent — small doses required: 0.0625–0.25 mg/dog IV/IM q24h initially, taper. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Flumethasone dose for cats?
For cats, Flumethasone is typically dosed as follows — Same as dogs: 0.03–0.125 mg/cat IV/IM q24h initially. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Flumethasone need a prescription?
Yes. Flumethasone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

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. Find a vet near you →