Pet Health Library
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Dexamethasone is given on and off label, by mouth or injection, to treat various inflammatory, autoimmune, and adrenal gland conditions. It can also be used off label as a diagnostic test. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination and/or appetite, dull/dry haircoat, weight gain, pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, panting, vomiting, or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have systemic fungal infections, diabetes, or stomach or intestinal ulcers, or are taking NSAIDs. It should not be used in rabbits or in surgical pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dexamethasone Otic is a steroid medication used in pets to treat topical inflammation of the ears, often with other medications such as antibiotics. It comes as a liquid solution that is prescribed for topical use within a pet’s ear canal. There are no veterinary brands of dexamethasone otic, so human brands (eg Maxidex®) or veterinary-compounded formulations are used off-label in pets.
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Dexmedetomidine is a sedative/tranquilizer used primarily in cats and dogs as a pre-medication injection for anesthesia or for chemical restraint. It is also used orally in dogs for short-term anxiety management. The most common side effect is a low heart rate. Dexmedetomidine should not be used in patients with severe heart liver or kidney disease. It should be used cautiously in young, old, or weak animals. Consult your veterinary office immediately if you suspect a negative reaction or overdose.
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Diazepam is given by mouth, injection, or into the rectum and is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, incoordination, weakness, agitation, drooling, and aggression. Do not give to cats by mouth, and do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, or in pets with severe liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or thiazide diuretics, or in pets with low blood sugar due to anything other than a tumor. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.
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Doxycycline is an antibiotic given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, used off label to treat certain infections. Common side effects include stomach upset, sun sensitivity, and increases in liver enzymes. Serious side effects include liver failure, seizures, and trouble swallowing. Do not use in pregnant pets and use cautiously in pets with liver disease or in young pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Ear cleansing/drying products are used over-the-counter to treat and prevent ear infections in many species of pets. They come as a liquid solution that is used topically within the ear canal and are typically used in the ears after debris and wax have been removed using a cerumenolytic cleanser.
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Enalapril is used on and off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or proteinuria. Common side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have an acute kidney injury, or have certain heart conditions.
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Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic given by mouth or in the muscle commonly used to treat bacterial infections in cats, dogs, and off label in small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. It should not be used in growing or dehydrated pets, or in cats with kidney disease. Use cautiously in pets with seizures, liver, or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.