Veterinary Pharmacology Overview

Flashcards covering essential pharmaceutical terms and their uses in veterinary medicine.

Penicillins

Antimicrobials like Amoxicillin and Penicillin G used for broad-spectrum Gram+ infections.

Cephalosporins

Antimicrobials such as Cephalexin and Cefovecin, primarily used for skin and urinary infections.

Tetracyclines

Antimicrobials like Doxycycline and Oxytetracycline effective against respiratory and intracellular bacteria.

Aminoglycosides

Antimicrobials, including Gentamicin and Amikacin, used for severe Gram– infections.

Fluoroquinolones

Antimicrobials like Enrofloxacin and Marbofloxacin that are broad-spectrum but not for young animals.

Sulfonamides

Antimicrobials such as Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim used to treat coccidiosis and UTIs.

Macrolides

Antimicrobials like Tylosin and Erythromycin used for respiratory infections.

Antifungals

Drugs including Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole for treating fungal and yeast infections.

Antivirals

Drugs such as Acyclovir and Interferons used rarely for specific viral diseases.

ACE inhibitors

Drugs like Enalapril and Benazepril used to treat congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Diuretics

Drugs such as Furosemide (Lasix) used to manage pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure.

Positive inotropes

Drugs including Pimobendan and Digoxin used to support heart failure.

Beta-blockers

Drugs like Atenolol used to manage arrhythmias and hypertension.

Antiarrhythmics

Drugs such as Lidocaine and Sotalol used for ventricular arrhythmias.

Anticonvulsants

Drugs like Phenobarbital and Levetiracetam used for seizure control.

Anesthetics

Drugs including Propofol, Isoflurane, and Ketamine used for general anesthesia.

Sedatives

Drugs like Acepromazine, Xylazine, and Dexmedetomidine used for pre-medication and sedation.

Opioid analgesics

Drugs such as Butorphanol and Buprenorphine used for pain management.

NSAIDs

Anti-inflammatories like Carprofen and Meloxicam used to reduce pain, inflammation, and arthritis.

Corticosteroids

Drugs like Prednisone and Dexamethasone employed to manage allergies, inflammation, and immune conditions.

Insulin

Hormonal drug used to manage diabetes mellitus.

Thyroid drugs

Drugs like Levothyroxine and Methimazole used for hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Reproductive hormones

Hormones like Oxytocin and Estradiol used for reproductive management.

Antiemetics

Drugs like Maropitant (Cerenia) and Metoclopramide used to control vomiting.

Antacids

Drugs such as Famotidine and Omeprazole used to treat GI ulcers and reflux.

Chemotherapy

Drugs like Vincristine and Cyclophosphamide used in cancer treatment.

Local anesthetics

Drugs including Lidocaine and Bupivacaine used for local pain control.

Antihistamines

Drugs like Diphenhydramine and Cetirizine used for allergies and itch relief.

Immunosuppressants

Drugs such as Cyclosporine and Azathioprine used to manage autoimmune diseases.

Nutraceuticals

Supplements like Glucosamine and Omega-3s used for joint health and inflammation.

Epinephrine

Drug used for asystole and CPR that stimulates the heart and causes vasoconstriction.

Atropine

Drug used for bradycardia and asystole that increases heart rate.

Lidocaine

Antiarrhythmic used for ventricular arrhythmias; should be avoided in cats.

Dopamine/Dobutamine

Drugs used for hypotension and heart failure that act as positive inotropes.

Doxapram

Drug used for respiratory stimulation in neonates or during anesthesia recovery.

Diazepam/Midazolam

Benzodiazepines used for status epilepticus.

Activated Charcoal

Oral toxin binding agent administered after ingestion of toxins.

Calcium Gluconate

Drug used for hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia; administered slowly and monitored.

Dextrose (50%)

Treats hypoglycemia by diluting and administering IV slowly.