Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology: Exam Review - Vocabulary Flashcards

A vocabulary set covering key pharmacology terms, processes, drug sources, regulatory references, administration concepts, and common veterinary drugs and practices mentioned in the notes.

Agonist

A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response.

Antagonist

A drug that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking other substances from activating the receptor.

Receptor

A cellular molecule that a drug binds to in order to produce a physiological effect.

Therapeutic Index

The relationship between a drug's therapeutic effect and its potential for harm.

Withdrawal Time

The minimum time after drug therapy ends before an animal’s tissues/products are safe for consumption.

Veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR)

A relationship in which the veterinarian has responsibility for medical judgments and has recently seen the patient and is available for follow-up.

Animal product (drug source)

Drugs or drug ingredients derived from animal tissues or products.

Plant material (drug source)

Drugs derived from plants or plant extracts.

Minerals (drug source)

Mineral-based drug ingredients used in veterinary medicine.

Synthetic products (drug source)

Man-made drug ingredients produced chemically or biotechnologically.

Dose

The amount of a drug given at one time.

Route

The path by which a drug is administered (e.g., oral, intravenous, subcutaneous).

Frequency

How often a drug is given.

Duration of administration

The length of time over which a drug is given.

VCPR requirements

Conditions: vet must take responsibility, have recently seen the patient, and be available for follow-up care.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes a drug.

Absorption

Process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration.

Distribution

The dispersion of a drug throughout the body via the bloodstream to tissues.

Metabolism (Biotransformation)

Body’s chemical alteration of a drug, mainly in the liver.

Excretion

Elimination of a drug or its metabolites from the body, mainly via the kidneys.

Liver

Primary organ for drug metabolism (biotransformation).

Kidneys

Primary organ for drug excretion.

Trade/Proprietary Name

The brand name given by the manufacturer to a drug.

Generic Name

The nonproprietary name of a drug, usually its active ingredient.

Drug label

The information on a medication package, including names, concentration, quantity, manufacturer details, lot number, and expiration date.

FDA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration; regulates drugs for safety and efficacy.

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; regulates pesticides and related products.

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture; regulates certain animal drugs and feed additives.

The Green Book

Publication listing FDA-approved veterinary drugs.

FARAD

FARAD provides resources to avoid drug residues in food-producing animals.

AMDUCA

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act; allows extralabel drug use under specific circumstances.

Extralabel drug use

Using a drug in a manner not specified on the label, allowed under AMDUCA with conditions.

Compounding

Diluting or combining existing drugs to create a new preparation for administration.

Ethical Product

A product sold only through veterinarians by manufacturer policy, not mandatory by FDA.

Metabolite

A product of drug metabolism after biotransformation.

Indication

A recognized reason to use a particular drug.

Counter irritant

An agent that causes superficial irritation to relieve another irritation.

Insulin syringe

A syringe calibrated in insulin units, not milliliters.

Suspension

A liquid preparation where insoluble particles are dispersed and must be shaken before use.

Luer-Lok tip

A syringe tip that locks the needle onto the syringe for a secure connection.

Tuberculin syringe

A small syringe that holds up to 1 mL, marked in small units.

Right patient

The patient to whom the drug is to be administered.

Right drug

The correct drug to be given.

Right dose

The correct amount of drug to administer.

Right route

The correct route of administration (oral, IV, etc.).

Right time and frequency

Correct timing and dosing interval for administration.

Right documentation

Accurate recording of drug administration and details in the medical record.

Intravenous (IV)

Administering drugs directly into a vein for rapid effect.

Intramuscular (IM)

Injecting a drug into a muscle.

Subcutaneous (SC)

Administering a drug under the skin.

Sciatic nerve

Common nerve landmark to avoid when performing IM injections in the pelvic limb.

Sharps container

A puncture-resistant container for disposing needles and sharps.

Counterirritant

An agent that irritates the skin to relieve deeper irritation.

Ketamine

A dissociative anesthetic providing analgesia, anesthesia, and preserved reflexes.

Propofol

A short-acting hypnotic intravenous anesthetic with rapid recovery.

GABA

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.

Diazepam

A benzodiazepine used for anxiety and other indications in veterinary medicine.

Clomicalm

A tricyclic antidepressant used in dogs for separation anxiety.

Anipryl

A drug used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction (old-dog dementia).

Endocrine system

The body's slow signaling system using hormones to regulate functions.

Dendrite

Part of a neuron that receives impulses toward the cell body.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter for cholinergic receptors.

Adrenergic (sympathomimetic) drug

Drugs that mimic sympathetic nervous system activity (fight-or-flight).

Propranolol

A beta-blocker used to treat cardiac conditions and other indications.

Yohimbine

Antagonist used to reverse xylazine effects and certain CNS depressions.

Atropine

An anticholinergic used to treat bradycardia and other effects of certain sedatives.

Doxapram

A stimulant (Dopram) used to treat respiratory depression and to stimulate respiration in newborns.

Nitrous oxide/Propofol- related notes

General anesthesia references including propofol and related agents.

Nervous system vs Endocrine system

Nervous system transmits signals rapidly via nerves; endocrine uses hormones in the bloodstream for slower signaling.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary body activities (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary motor function and sensation.

Oxygen transport path to alveoli

Nostrils, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles.

Pharmacodynamics

How a drug affects the body, including mechanism of action at the target.