Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate

Major Uses

Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate is a drug that is most commonly used to treat Addison's disease in dogs. Desoxycorticosterone is used as an injectable hormone replacement and belongs to a class of drugs known as mineralocorticoids steroids. In some cases, this drug is used for off label purposes in cats.

Common Precautions

Side effects most commonly associated with Desoxycorticosterone are soreness and inflammation at the injection site.

Desoxycorticosterone should not be administered in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Desoxycorticosterone should not be used in animals with heart disease or kidney disease. Desoxycorticosterone may interact with other medications. These medications include furosemide, insulin, digoxin, and amphotericin. This should be discussed with a veterinarian. Symptoms of Desoxycorticosterone drug toxicity are weakness, increased thirst and urination, and fluid retention. Emergency veterinary care should be sought if an animal experiences any unusual symptoms.

Storage

Desoxycorticosterone injectable suspension should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Administration

Desoxycorticosterone is available as a 25 mg/ml injection.

A typical dose range for Desoxycorticosterone in dogs is 2.2 mg/kg IM every 25 days. Dose may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the subsequent dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule resumed. Two doses of Desoxycorticosterone should not be administered at the same time.