Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Dexamethasone is dosed at 0.3–1.5 mg/kg IM, IV, IO not stated in source in red-eared sliders, per Jepson L. Turtles and tortoises. In: Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2009:358-411. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Dexamethasone is used in red-eared sliders for Hyperthermia. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IM, IV, IO. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Dexamethasone in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Azium, Dexafort
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM, IV, IO | 0.3–1.5 mg/kg | not stated in source | Hyperthermia | Weak | Jepson L. Turtles and tortoises. In: Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide, Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2009:358-411. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Potent synthetic glucocorticoid. Suppresses inflammation, immune responses, and allergic reactions. 25-30x potency of cortisol.
Immunosuppressive. PU/PD, polyphagia. Avoid in active infections without antibiotic coverage. Prolonged use causes iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Avoid in reptiles if possible (severe immunosuppression).
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Dexamethasone dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IM, IV, IO 0.3–1.5 mg/kg not stated in source. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Dexamethasone in red-eared sliders: IM, IV, IO.
Dexamethasone is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Hyperthermia.
These are general warnings for Dexamethasone across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Immunosuppressive. PU/PD, polyphagia. Avoid in active infections without antibiotic coverage. Prolonged use causes iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Avoid in reptiles if possible (severe immunosuppression).
Why a species-specific page? Dexamethasone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.