WHAT IS OMNACORTIL 5MG?
Omnacortil 5mg is a prescription corticosteroid tablet manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals. Its active ingredient is Prednisolone — the bioavailable form of corticosteroid used in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats.
Unlike Prednisone, which requires liver conversion, Prednisolone is directly absorbed by the body — making it the preferred choice for dogs with compromised liver function.
WHY VETERINARIANS PRESCRIBE OMNACORTIL FOR DOGS
Omnacortil 5mg is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications in veterinary practice. Vets prescribe it for:
Skin Allergies and Itching
Atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, hot spots, contact allergies, and environmental allergies causing intense scratching and skin inflammation. Prednisolone interrupts the itch-scratch cycle and allows the skin to heal.
Inflammatory Conditions
Joint inflammation, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) where swelling causes pain or pressure on the spinal canal.
Autoimmune Disorders
Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), lupus, and conditions where the immune system attacks the dog's own tissues. At immunosuppressive doses, Prednisolone is a frontline treatment.
Addison's Disease
Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (underactive adrenal glands) require corticosteroid replacement therapy. Omnacortil is used as part of long-term management under veterinary supervision.
Adjunct Cancer Therapy
Used alongside chemotherapy protocols for canine lymphoma and mast cell tumours. Prednisolone has direct cytotoxic effects on lymphatic cancer cells.
DOSAGE GUIDE — FOR REFERENCE ONLY
Always follow your veterinarian's prescribed dose. Do not self-medicate.
| Condition |
Typical Dose (Prednisolone) |
| Allergies and skin inflammation |
0.5–1 mg/kg per day |
| Inflammatory conditions |
1–2 mg/kg per day |
| Autoimmune diseases |
2–4 mg/kg per day |
| Addison's disease |
Less than 0.1–0.25 mg/kg per day |
The dispersible tablet form allows the tablet to be dissolved in water — useful for precise low-dose administration in small and toy breeds.
Do not stop Omnacortil abruptly. Long-term corticosteroid use requires a gradual tapering schedule to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal hormone production.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
-
Prescription required — Omnacortil is an Rx medication. Always use under veterinary guidance.
- Do not use alongside NSAIDs (e.g. Meloxicam, Carprofen) without veterinary advice — increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
- Monitor for increased thirst, urination, and appetite — these are common early side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment — Prednisolone suppresses immune response.
- Dogs with systemic fungal infections, Cushing's disease, or active infections should not receive corticosteroids without specialist supervision.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Brand: Omnacortil
Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals
Active Ingredient: Prednisolone 5mg
Form: Dispersible Tablet
Pack Size: 1×10 Tablets
Sold By: Pets Lifestyle — India's trusted online pet pharmacy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — OMNACORTIL 5MG FOR DOGS
What is Omnacortil used for in dogs? ▼
Omnacortil is prescribed for skin allergies, itching, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and Addison's disease in dogs. Its active ingredient Prednisolone reduces inflammation and calms an overactive immune system quickly and effectively.
How long does it take for Omnacortil to work in dogs? ▼
Most dogs show relief from itching and inflammation within 24–48 hours of starting Omnacortil. For autoimmune conditions, improvement may take several days to a week depending on severity and dose.
Can I stop giving Omnacortil once my dog feels better? ▼
No — never stop Omnacortil suddenly. Even if your dog looks completely fine, stopping abruptly can cause serious withdrawal effects. Always follow your vet's tapering schedule to reduce the dose gradually before stopping.
My dog is drinking a lot of water after starting Omnacortil — is this normal? ▼
Yes, increased thirst and urination are the most common side effects of Prednisolone in dogs. This is expected and usually manageable. Ensure fresh water is always available. If the thirst seems extreme or your dog seems unwell, contact your vet.
Can Omnacortil be given to cats? ▼
Yes. Prednisolone — the active ingredient in Omnacortil — is actually the preferred corticosteroid for cats because cats absorb it more efficiently than Prednisone. Your vet will determine the correct dose for your cat based on weight and condition.
Is Omnacortil safe to use with other medications? ▼
Omnacortil should not be combined with pain relievers like Meloxicam or Carprofen without veterinary supervision — this combination increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Always tell your vet every medication your pet is currently taking before starting Omnacortil.
