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Prednisone

Detailed information about Prednisone

Official label facts Owner quick guide first Marketing clearly labeled
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Reviewed / Updated / Sources

Reviewed: Not available

Updated: February 12, 2026, 7:40 PM UTC

Sources:

Pet Owner Quick Guide

Start here first for the simple next-step summary.

Used for:

It is used for conditions requiring an anti-inflammatory agent.

What to watch for:

  • Avoid combining with NSAIDs
  • Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history
  • Vomiting (1 reports)
  • Ulceration NOS (1 reports)
  • very low energy (1 reports)

When to call the vet:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe lethargy (hard to wake, very low energy).
  • Collapse or fainting.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Facial swelling or hives.
  • Blood in vomit or stool.

What to ask your vet today:

  • Is this medicine the right fit for my pet’s current symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should call back right away?
  • How should I handle missed doses or refusal to take the medicine?
Safety & side effects

What to watch:

  • Avoid combining with NSAIDs
  • Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history
  • Vomiting
  • Ulceration NOS
  • very low energy

Most reported reactions:

  • Vomiting (1 reports)
  • Ulceration NOS (1 reports)
  • Tiredness (lethargy) (1 reports)

When to call your vet:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe lethargy (hard to wake, very low energy).
  • Collapse or fainting.
  • Trouble breathing.
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Data freshness: source data appears current.

Latest refresh: Mar 21, 2026, 10:02 a.m.

Data freshness
  • Medication catalog: Source Roxee | Refreshed Feb 12, 2026, 7:40 PM UTC
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:02 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:19 AM UTC
Image coming soon
Prednisone

Prednisone

Drug type: Generic ingredient • Branded profile • FDA branded products available

Species: Both

Manufacturer: Not available (source)

Quick Facts

Official label facts first, then secondary summaries. Marketing content is separated below.

Species: Both
Manufacturer: Not available
Form: Liquid (Suspension)
Identifiers:
NADA: 9963
Source metadata:

Warnings / Contraindications

Avoid combining with NSAIDs. Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history.

  • High: Avoid combining with NSAIDs. Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history.
Source metadata:

Adverse Reactions

Snapshot first, detailed rows second. This section summarizes signal data and is not a diagnosis.

Tap or hover a reaction to see what it means in plain language.

Tracked signals
32
Reported cases
32
Serious reports
25
Species represented
2
Grouped by Body System
Digestive (3) · Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea Skin & allergy (2) · Injection site swelling, Hair loss NOS Neurologic (2) · Unsteady walking (ataxia), Tiredness (lethargy) Effectiveness (2) · Lack of efficacy - NOS, Lack of efficacy (endoparasite) - heartworm Other (23) · Underdose, Ulceration NOS, Skin lesion NOS
Most Reported Reactions
Reaction Body system Cases Species Serious cases
Digestive 1 Dog 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Neurologic 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Dog 1
Other 1 Dog 1

Species coverage: Cat (22) Dog (10)

View detailed reaction table
Reaction Body system Species Seriousness Frequency Reports
Digestive Dog Serious - 1
Neurologic Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Neurologic Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Dog Non-serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Effectiveness Cat Non-serious - 1
Effectiveness Dog Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Non-serious - 1
Skin & allergy Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Skin & allergy Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Digestive Cat Serious - 1
Digestive Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Source metadata:

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature.

Documents

Owner handouts and official technical documents are grouped for faster access.

Owner handouts (0)
  • No owner handouts linked yet.
Official label / PI (0)
  • No official label or package insert links yet.
SPL (1)
  • Meticorten® · SPL
    https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/spl/file/625/Meticorten%C2%AE
FOI (0)
  • No FOI links yet.
Source metadata:
Veterinary reference (advanced)

Canonical medication sections are above. This legacy block remains available for deeper cross-reference without cluttering the primary workflow.

At a Glance

Quick facts and links to official labeling and safety signals.

Data freshness
  • Medication catalog: Source Roxee | Refreshed Feb 12, 2026, 7:40 PM UTC
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:01 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Mar 21, 2026, 10:02 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:19 AM UTC
Official (FDA)
Identity: Generic ingredient • FDA branded products available
Official FDA brands: Meticorten®
Case-reported brands (openFDA): MSK
Catalog species: Both • FDA-labeled species: Cat, Dog, Horse
Rx/OTC: RX
Form/route: Liquid (Suspension) • Intramuscular
Applications: NADA 9963
Documents: • SPL: 1 • Label highlights • Official documents
Safety (openFDA)
Top reactions: Dog 28 • Cat 18 • View
Case summaries: 10 (showing 8) • View
openFDA reports are unverified and do not prove causation.
Explore
Related conditions: Dystocia Metritis
Linked using: Fda_Label (0.95), Fda_Label (0.95)
Diagnosis Codes

Diagnosis-code mappings are not available for this medication yet.

Counseling and Monitoring Highlights

Global Pet owner/Vet mode is controlled in the header. This section avoids duplicate in-page persona tabs.

Owner-facing counseling points
  • Avoid combining with NSAIDs. Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history. (Contraindication, High)
Top reaction signals
Vomiting (1) Ulceration NOS (1) Tiredness (lethargy) (1) Skin lesion NOS (1) Sinus congestion (1) Shivering (1) Restlessness (1) Pain NOS (1)

Identifiers & Packages

Normalized identifiers (NDC/NADA/ANADA) and package metadata from regulator listings.

Identifiers
NADA: 9963

Data Sources & Change Log

Every non-trivial field is expected to include provenance and update timestamps.

Official 3 Clinical 1 Manufacturer 0 Marketing 0
Current Field Facts
  • storage_handling: Store at room temperature. (Clinical, 2026-02-12)
  • contraindications: Avoid combining with NSAIDs. Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history. (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • side_effects: Increased thirst/urination, increased appetite, panting, GI upset. Long-term use: immune suppression and other risks. (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • usage: Corticosteroid used for inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions. (Official, 2026-02-12)
Recent Revisions
  • side_effects updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • usage updated 2026-02-12 19:40 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields

FDA Products & Applications (Animal Drugs @ FDA)

Official sponsor/proprietary-name/application-status records linked by active ingredient.

Product Sponsor Application Status Published
Meticorten®
RX
Prednisone
Liquid (Suspension) • Intramuscular
Label highlights
Official documents
Intervet, Inc. NADA 9963 Approved Jun 1, 2016

Data source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA (public search export).

What It's For (FDA Label Highlights)

Extracted from FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA product labeling. Always confirm details with your veterinarian.

Species: Dog, Restricted During Pregnancy • Horse, Restricted During Pregnancy • Horse, Not For Meat Production • Cat, Restricted During Pregnancy
Composition / specifications
Each milliliter of sterile aqueous suspension contains 10 to 40 milligrams of prednisone.
Horses
Indication
It is used for conditions requiring an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dosage
100 to 400 milligrams intramuscularly, repeating if necessary. If no response is observed after 3 to 4 days of therapy, reevaluate diagnosis.
Limitations
Do not use in viral infections. Except in emergency therapy, do not use in animals with tuberculosis, chronic nephritis, or Cushings's disease. With infections, use appropriate antibacterial therapy with and for at least 3 days after discontinuance of use and disappearance of all signs of infection. Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis. Not for use in horses intended for food. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Dogs
Indication
It is used for conditions requiring an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dosage
0.25 to 1.0 milligram per pound of body weight for 3 to 5 days or until a response is noted. Treatment may be continued with an orally administered dose.
Limitations
Do not use in viral infections. Except in emergency therapy, do not use in animals with tuberculosis, chronic nephritis, or Cushings's disease. With infections, use appropriate antibacterial therapy with and for at least 3 days after discontinuance of use and disappearance of all signs of infection. Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis. Not for use in horses intended for food. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Cats
Indication
It is used for conditions requiring an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dosage
0.25 to 1.0 milligram per pound of body weight for 3 to 5 days or until a response is noted. Treatment may be continued with an orally administered dose.
Limitations
Do not use in viral infections. Except in emergency therapy, do not use in animals with tuberculosis, chronic nephritis, or Cushings's disease. With infections, use appropriate antibacterial therapy with and for at least 3 days after discontinuance of use and disappearance of all signs of infection. Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta and metritis. Not for use in horses intended for food. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Official Documents (FDA)

Direct links to FDA-hosted PDFs and SPL packages (when available).

SPL Packages

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Usage

Corticosteroid used for inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions.

Source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA • Reference

Contraindications

Avoid combining with NSAIDs. Use caution with diabetes, infections, GI ulcer history.

Side Effects

Increased thirst/urination, increased appetite, panting, GI upset. Long-term use: immune suppression and other risks.

Source: FDA openFDA • Reference

Top Reported Reactions (openFDA)

De-duplicated reaction terms grouped by body system from FDA openFDA reports (not verified; does not prove causation).

Digestive
Vomiting (1) • Dog Drooling (1) • Cat Diarrhea (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Digestive.

Skin & allergy
Injection site swelling (1) • Dog Hair loss NOS (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Skin & allergy.

Neurologic
Unsteady walking (1) • Cat Tiredness (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Neurologic.

Effectiveness
Lack of efficacy - NOS (1) • Cat Lack of efficacy (endoparasite) - heartworm (1) • Dog

Showing top 5 for Effectiveness.

Other
Underdose (1) • Cat Ulceration NOS (1) • Cat Skin lesion NOS (1) • Cat Sinus congestion (1) • Cat Shivering (1) • Cat
Show more (18)
Restlessness (1) • Dog Polyuria (1) • Dog Pain NOS (1) • Dog Overdose (1) • Cat Ocular discharge (1) • Cat Leucocytosis NOS (1) • Dog Intentional misuse (1) • Cat Inappropriate urination (1) • Cat Hypothermia (1) • Cat Heavy breathing (1) • Dog Grooming disorder (1) • Cat Groaning (1) • Dog Elevated globulins (1) • Cat Death by euthanasia (1) • Cat Crust (1) • Cat Bradycardia (1) • Cat Abnormal radiograph finding (1) • Dog Abdominal oedema (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Other.

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Adverse Event Case Summaries (openFDA)

These are individual FDA adverse event reports. They are unverified and do not prove the medication caused the reaction.

Dog, Sheepdog - Shetland, Female, 4.5 year, 9 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Inappropriate urination, Polyuria • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055980
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 4.50 Year
  • Weight: 9.000 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Inappropriate urination Polyuria
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Dog, Shepherd Dog - German, Female, 3 year, 39.463 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Unknown • Reactions: Tiredness (lethargy), Drooling, Restlessness, Groaning • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054508
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 3.00 Year
  • Weight: 39.463 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Tiredness (lethargy) Drooling Restlessness Groaning
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, Poodle (unspecified), Male, 4 year, 9.5 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Oral • Reactions: Vomiting, Pain NOS, Whining, Lack of efficacy - NOS • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054507
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 4.00 Year
  • Weight: 9.500 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Oral
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Vomiting Pain NOS Whining Lack of efficacy - NOS
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, ['Retriever - Golden', 'Retriever - Labrador'], Male, 2 year, 29.03 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Unknown • Reactions: Injection site swelling, Heavy breathing, Leucocytosis NOS, Abnormal radiograph finding • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-056098
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 2.00 Year
  • Weight: 29.030 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Injection site swelling Heavy breathing Leucocytosis NOS Abnormal radiograph finding
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, ['Chihuahua', 'Terrier - Jack Russell'], Male, 2 year, 8.84 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Lack of efficacy (endoparasite) - heartworm • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055635
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 2.00 Year
  • Weight: 8.840 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Lack of efficacy (endoparasite) - heartworm
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Cat, Domestic Mediumhair, Female, 5 year, 4 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Transdermal • Reactions: Unsteady walking (ataxia) • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-055804
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 5.00 Year
  • Weight: 4.000 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Transdermal
Reactions Reported:
Unsteady walking (ataxia)
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Female, 14 year, 7.938 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unassigned, Unknown • Reactions: Lack of efficacy - NOS, Intentional misuse, Underdose • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-054750
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 14.00 Year
  • Weight: 7.938 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Unassigned
Reactions Reported:
Lack of efficacy - NOS Intentional misuse Underdose
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Female, 12.5 year, 4.81 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Oral • Reactions: Diarrhea • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-051251
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 12.50 Year
  • Weight: 4.810 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Oral
Reactions Reported:
Diarrhea
Outcomes: Ongoing

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Overdose Information

No approved overdose-management text is linked yet. If overdose is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature.

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