Veterinary Pharmacology and Drug Classification

Flashcards covering veterinary pharmacology concepts including drug classifications, indications, and side effects.

Anticholinergics

Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, major side effects include tachycardia, dry mouth, and constipation.

Prednisone

A glucocorticoid medication used in veterinary medicine.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Drugs that bind to receptors on the proton pump and block the release of hydrogen, thereby reducing HCl in the stomach.

Diazepam (Valium)

An anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety medication used in veterinary medicine, particularly in cats.

Cyproheptadine

An appetite stimulant that acts as a serotonin antagonist and antihistamine.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

An antidiarrheal that kills anaerobic bacteria; also used to treat Giardia.

Sucralfate (Carafate)

A mucosal protectant that forms a paste-like substance to cover and protect ulcers.

Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists

Class of drugs ending in 'tidine' used to reduce stomach acid production, including Cimetidine, Ranitidine, and Famotidine.

Antacids

Drugs that neutralize HCl in the stomach, examples include Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminum hydroxide.

Apomorphine

The emetic of choice in dogs, commonly used to induce vomiting.

Maropitant (Cerenia)

The most common antiemetic used in veterinary medicine.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Ipecac Syrup

Two emetics that work peripherally to induce vomiting.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

An antihistamine used to treat motion sickness and as an antiemetic.

Acepromazine

A phenothiazine derivative used as a sedative and has side effects such as sedation and hypotension.

Docusate Sodium

A surfactant/stool softener that is a laxative contraindicated in cats.

Psyllium (Metamucil)

A bulk-forming agent used as a laxative.

Loperamide (Imodium)

An antidiarrheal that is an opiate; also contraindicated in cats.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Work by containing cellulose fiber that absorbs water and increases peristalsis.

Activated Charcoal

An antidiarrheal used only orally for ingestion of toxins.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

A tetracyclic antidepressant used as an appetite stimulant.

Erythropoietin (Epoetin)

A drug used to treat anemia associated with kidney failure.

Fluoroquinolones

A class of antibiotics that should be avoided in young animals due to potential cartilage damage.

Cyclosporine

An immunosuppressive drug used to treat autoimmune conditions.

Desmopressin

A synthetic form of ADH used for diabetes insipidus.

Glucocorticoids

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone used to reduce inflammation.

Oxytocin

A hormone used to induce labor in cases of dystocia.

Oclacitinib (Apoquel)

A drug used to treat itching and pruritus in dogs.

Epoetin (Epogen)

A drug that stimulates RBC production from hematopoietic stem cells.

Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid

A potentiated penicillin used to enhance effectiveness against beta-lactamase.

Griseofulvin

An antifungal used to treat ringworm in cats.

Ketoconazole

An antifungal associated with hepatotoxicity in cats.

Nystatin

An antifungal used to treat Candida infections in birds.

Mannitol

An osmotic diuretic used to decrease intracranial pressure.

Phenylpropanolamine

The most common drug used to treat urinary incontinence.