General Drug Information and Indications

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injectable for systemic anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-shock treatment. Injectable dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Water-soluble phosphate ester of dexamethasone → rapid onset. Potent fluorinated glucocorticoid; 25× potency of cortisol. Minimal mineralocorticoid activity. Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-shock actions via glucocorticoid receptor-mediated transcriptional regulation. Key information Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injectable. Corticosteroid — see dexamethasone entry. Soluble salt — faster onset than dexamethasone base. Competition withdrawal required.

How to Give this Medication

Injectable: administer IV slowly (dilute in compatible solution) or IM. For horses: IV route preferred; give over 1–2 min. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Same as dexamethasone. HPA axis suppression, laminitis risk in horses, PU/PD, immunosuppression, GI ulceration. Rapid IV injection: transient cardiovascular effects (hypotension, arrhythmias — inject slowly).

Precautions

For animals See dexamethasone. Laminitis risk in horses. Avoid in pregnant animals. Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Administer slowly IV — rapid injection may cause cardiovascular effects. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Corticosteroid injectable — Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Wear gloves. Administered by veterinary staff.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Corticosteroid overdose causes immunosuppression and metabolic disturbances. Signs include excessive thirst, urination, and GI upset.

Dexium dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
DEXIUM 2 MG/ML INJECTABLE: DEXAMETHASONE (Bimeda)2 MG/MLInjectable—Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Corticosteroids in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)