My vet prescribed Redipred for my dog.  What does that mean?

Prednisone and Prednisolone are corticosteroid drugs, used to treat a variety of illnesses in animals (as well as humans).  It is sold in Australia for animal use under brand names including Redipred, Pred-X, Macrolone and Microlone.  The different brands offer the same active ingredient in different strengths and different delivery methods (tablet, liquid etc) and you should check with your vet if you intend to change between the brands.

Prednisone and Prednisolone are commonly prescribed to treat allergies (skin allergies and asthmatic reactions are common), inflammations, and sometimes autoimmune diseases and cancers.

This article answers some of your common questions, such as how Redipred helps your dog, the dosage for Redipred, and the side-effects of Redipred for dogs.

 

How does Redipred help my dog or cat?

Prednisone and prednisolone both mimic cortisol (a hormone that occurs naturally in the body).  Cortisol is an important hormone, as it can reduce inflammation, suppress immune systems (especially where triggered by allergies), and stimulate appetite.  Vets use prednisone and prednisolone treatments (like Redipred, Pred-X, Macrolone and Microlone) to replace naturally occurring cortisol, where the body isn’t producing enough, and to treat a number of medical conditions that may have caused inflammation.

Quick question - What’s the difference between prednisone and prednisolone, you ask? Prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver, so in most cases where your pet has a healthy liver, the two drugs are considered equivalents.  The ability of cats to convert prednisone into prednisolone is lesser, so prednisolone is often preferred for cats.  Some animals with liver problems won’t be able to convert prednisone, so prednisolone is also preferred for these pets.

Redipred, and other forms of prednisone and prednisolone, are very safe for short term use, but are not generally a long term treatment for dogs and cats.  The general rule of thumb for dosing prednisone and prednisolone is to use as much as is required but as little as possible to achieve the desired effect. Your vet will discuss with you how long they expect your pet to be taking prednisone, how they plan to wean your pet off the medication, and side effects to monitor for. 

What can I expect when my dog or cat starts on Redipred?

  • Prednisone and prednisolone work fast - that’s why humans and animals use it for allergy relief and asthmatic problems.  It takes effect in a couple of hours.
  • It is important that you periodically discuss your cat or dog’s reaction prednisone with your vet, who will determine if your pet is responding as expected, and what the ongoing treatment should be.
  • A common side effect is that your dog or cat is very hungry when taking this steroid!  Be prepared to manage your pet’s hunger - talk to your vet about adding rice or grated carrot to their meals to make them feel more “satisfied” without lots of extra calories.  
  • Your vet will talk with you about how to wean your dog or cat off Redipred, Pred-X, Macrolone and Microlone, as most side effects can be avoided when your pet’s dose is slowly reduced.

 

How to give Redipred, Pred-X, Macrolone and Microlone to my dog?

Prednisone and prednisolone are available in a number of delivery methods - your vet might prescribe that your dog or cat should take it as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. 

 

Here’s some handy tips:

  • If administering Redipred as a liquid, make sure to shake the bottle before measuring the medication carefully
  • If your dog or cat is taking prednisone or prednisolone as a tablet or capsule, ensure that it is taken with food - this reduces the chance of any stomach irritation.  Some vets recommend that dogs take Redipred in the morning, whilst cats should take it in the evening, as this mimics the animal’s natural hormone cycle.

 

Storage of Redipred, Pred-X, Macrolone and Microlone 

Different delivery methods and formulations may have different storage requirements.  Generally, it should be stored below 30 degrees, and out of direct light. Please check the labelling for the correct storage requirements for the form of prednisone or prednisolone that your pet has been prescribed.

 

Which pets should NOT take Prednisone or Prednisolone?

  • Prednisone and prednisolone should be used with caution in pregnant or lactating pets and pets with diabetes or systemic fungal infections
  • Because corticosteroids like prednisone and prednisolone suppress immune response, animals taking this medicine are more susceptible to viral or bacterial infections - monitor your dog or cat during treatment.
  • Similarly, because corticosteroids are immuno-suppressants, they are generally avoided in young animals 
  • High doses of Redipred or other prednisone or prednisolone treatment may mean that vaccines are not as effective - your vet may recommend that vaccinations are delayed whilst the corticosteroid treatment is ongoing.
  • Some drugs don’t work as well, if your pet is also taking prednisone or prednisolone, and there are drugs that cannot be taken with corticosteroids.  For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your dog or cat is taking, including vitamins, supplements and herbal therapies.   

 

What if I give too much Redipred? What if I miss a dose of  Prednisone or Prednisolone or give the wrong dose? Administration of drug issues

Prednisone (or prednisolone) is generally given daily, so there should be 24 hours between doses. If you miss giving a dose of Redipred, don’t worry.  If you remember a missed dose, give the dose as soon as possible. However, if it is less than 12 hours until the next dose is due, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once.

Possible side effects 

Short term use of corticosteroids like Redipred rarely cause serious side effects.  But you might notice the following behaviours whilst your animal is taking this drug:

  • Increased appetite - talk to your vet as to whether mixing something like cooked rice or grated carrot can fill your fur-baby’s tummy without significantly increasing calorie intake at this time.  Also consider small, more frequent meals, to keep your pet happy
  •  Increased thirst - make sure there is lots of fresh water available (up to twice the normal amount of drinking water)
  •  Increased urination - drinking more means more trips outside - and sometimes it can mean a few house accidents.  This is a short term effect, and will disappear once the steroids finish.
  •  Panting, restlessness, agitation - some dogs and cats feel “weird” when on corticosteroids - just reassure them, keep them calm and talk to your vet if your pet is extremely uncomfortable whilst taking the Redipred.

Long term effects of high doses of this drug (like gastrointestinal ulcers and Cushing's disease) are well known to vets, and are generally well managed to keep your pet safe.  Your vet will have a plan to reduce and then cease use of prednisolone or prednisone as soon as possible.  

Can I buy Redipred online?

Prednisone and prednisolone, under any brand name, are prescription medicines, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet.  Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding your animal's medical condition. Professional advice is required for each particular illness, disease, infection, injury or other medical condition and for dosages of the pharmaceutical product supplied via this website. You take full and total responsibility for what you do with this information and any resulting outcomes from your actions.

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO BE OR SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR MEDICAL OR VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET, PLEASE CONSULT AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VETERINARY FACILITY.