Practical pharmacology for the field

Abstract

The use of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for regimen construction may be useful when clinical data is lacking, but the inputs must be carefully considered for validity. Clinical experience is also useful in determining appropriate therapeutic paths when the multiple components of clinical response are considered in addition to the contribution of the drug. The balancing act of therapeutic intervention is well characterized by a review of the data available to define potential benefits and harm from the use of dexamethasone in cattle. These benefits are poorly defined in the literature in relation to regimens commonly used in practice, while the potential detriments are more clearly defined in relation to adverse reproductive effects, immunosuppression, alteration of treatment efficacy, and the relatively new potential for violative residues when used close to slaughter.