Lethargy after Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B in dogs

The FDA has received 29 reports of lethargy in dogs after Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B. That is 18% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

29Reports
59%Marked serious
21%Recovered
21%Died or euthanised
15 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
7 35%
1–2 days
1 5.0%
3–7 days
2 10%
1–4 weeks
1 5.0%
Over a month
9 45%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 17%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 3.4%
Still unwell when reported
5 17%
Died
1 3.4%
Euthanised
5 17%
Not known
12 41%

Problems reported at the same time

15 52%
Kidney problems
8 28%
Diarrhea
7 24%
Neutrophilia
7 24%
Blood problems
6 21%
Proteinuria
6 21%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
4
4–7 years
6
8–11 years
9
12+ years
6

About this medicine

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

Steroids commonly cause increased thirst, urination and appetite, especially at higher doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B cause lethargy in dogs?
29 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 15 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Lethargy with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy