MDose · Veterinary drug reference
PREDNISONE PREDNISOLONE
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antineoplastic (adjunct), replacement (hypoadrenocorticism)
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antineoplastic (adjunct), replacement (hypoadrenocorticism) — Extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antineoplastic (adjunct), replacement (hypoadrenocorticism) — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens9
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects7
PU/PD/PP — Common even with short "burst" therapy
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
GI ulceration, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, muscle wasting, behavior change — With prolonged/high-dose use
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Diarrhea, PU/PD, weight gain (less overt Cushingoid signs than dogs) — Cats generally tolerate higher doses better
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Death by euthanasia1 reports
- Enlarged lymph nodes (generalised)1 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS1 reports
- Swollen eye1 reports
Monitoring1
Clinical signs (PU/PD/PP, weight), liver enzymes, glucose, electrolytes with long-term use; ACTH stim if HPA suppression suspected
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Systemic fungal infection (unless replacement in Addison's); known hypersensitivity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Active bacterial infection, corneal ulcer, diabetes, osteoporosis, CHF, renal insufficiency; do not stop abruptly after chronic use — taper
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Use prednisolone, not prednisone, in cats and horses — poor hepatic conversion in these species makes prednisone less reliable.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Core dosing principle: use the least potent form/dose for the shortest time that controls the disease; alternate-day dosing (once daily therapy achieved) minimizes HPA suppression.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Chronic daily use beyond 1–2 weeks requires tapering, not abrupt discontinuation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions6
NSAIDs — ↑ GI ulceration risk — avoid concurrent use
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Potassium-depleting diuretics (furosemide, thiazides) — ↑ hypokalemia risk
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cyclosporine — Mutual ↑ blood levels via hepatic metabolism inhibition
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Insulin — ↑ requirement
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Ketoconazole — ↓ glucocorticoid metabolism, ↑ levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Bioavailability — Prednisolone ~100% (cat) vs. prednisone only ~21% (cat)
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Biologic half-life — 12–36h (tissue effect; not meaningfully tied to plasma half-life)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic (prednisone→prednisolone conversion)
CatHorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
May induce parturition late in pregnancy (large animals). Human FDA category C. Papich class C. Milk levels negligible at maternal doses ≤20 mg/day (human data).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 996–998; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 666–669 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references6
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- A retrospective evaluation of the steroid sparing effects of oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an adjunct immunosuppressant for the treatment of canine pemphigus foliaceus.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- A proposed medication score for long-term trials of treatment of canine atopic dermatitis sensu lato.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Evidence-based guidelines for anti-allergic drug withdrawal times before allergen-specific intradermal and IgE serological tests in dogs.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with pressurized liquid extraction for determination of glucocorticoid residues in edible tissues.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of glucocorticoid residues in edible tissues of swine, cattle, sheep, and chicken.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.