Systemic corticosteroid therapy is generally contra-indicated in patients with renal disease and diabetes mellitus.

Administration is contra-indicated where corneal ulceration is present. It may render concurrent vaccination inoperative.

Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, are known to exert a wide range of side-effects. Whilst single high doses are generally well tolerated, they may induce severe side-effects in long term use and when esters possessing a long duration of action are administered. Dosage in medium to long term use should therefore generally be kept to the minimum necessary to control symptoms. Steroids themselves, during treatment, may cause Cushingoid symptoms involving significant alteration of fat, carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism, e.g. redistribution of body fat, muscle weakness and osteoporosis may result.

During therapy effective doses suppress the Hypothalamo-Pituitreal-Adrenal axis. Following cessation of treatment, symptoms of adrenal insufficiency extending to adrenocorticol atrophy can arise and this may render the animal unable to deal adequately with stressful situations. Consideration should therefore be given to means of minimising problems of adrenal insufficiency following the withdrawal of treatment, e.g. dosing on alternate days, dosing to coincide with the time of the endogenous cortisol peak (i.e in the morning with regard to dogs and in the evening with regard to cats) and a gradual reduction of dosage (for further discussion see standard texts.)

Systemically acting corticosteroids may cause polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia, particularly during the early stages of therapy. Some corticosteroid's cause sodium and water retention and hypokalaemia in long term use. Some corticosteroids have caused deposition of calcium in the skin (calcinosis cutis).

Corticosteroids are not recommended for use in pregnant animals. Administration in early pregnancy is known to have caused foetal abnormalities in laboratory animals. Administration in late pregnancy may cause early parturition or abortion.

Corticosteroids may delay wound healing and the immunosuppressant actions may weaken resistance to or exacerbate existing infections. In the presence of bacterial infection, anti-bacterial drug therapy is usually required when steroids are used. In the presence of a viral infection, steroids may worsen or hasten the progress of the disease.

Gastrointestinal ulceration has been reported in animals treated with corticosteroids and g.i.t. ulceration may be exacerbated by steroids in patients given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in corticosteroid treated animals with spinal cord trauma. Steroids may cause enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) with increased serum hepatic enzymes.

For animal treatment only. Not for use in animals intended for human consumption.

Keep out of reach of children.

Impermeable gloves should be worn whilst administering the product. In case of accidental ingestion, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling this product.