Vet 4 assis Pharmacy

What is the VCPR and what are the veterinarian's and pet owner's roles?

VCPR = Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship

Veterinarian's role:

• Diagnose and treat health problems

• Assume responsibility for medical care

• Advise on treatment options/risks

• Oversee treatment and owner compliance

• Keep medical records

• Educate on emergency care

Owner's role:

• Authorize veterinary care

• Ask questions to understand instructions

• Follow recommendations

Define "prescription."

A prescription is a written order by a licensed veterinarian for the preparation and administration of a medicine or other treatment.

What information is legally required on a prescription label?

• Veterinary facility name, address, phone number

• Veterinarian's full name

• Client's name

• Client's address (for controlled substances)

• Patient's name/ID number

• Drug name and strength

• Quantity dispensed

• Expiration date

• Number of refills

• Directions for use (dosage, frequency, duration)

a.c.

before meals

p.c.

after meals

b.i.d

twice daily

t.i.d.

three times daily

q.i.d.

4 times daily

s.i.d

once daily

p.o.

by mouth

prn

as needed

q_h

every_hours

qd

everyday

ad lib

as much as desired

d/c

discontinue

What are common ear and eye abbreviations?

Ear:

• a.d. = right ear

• a.s. = left ear

• a.u. = both ears

Eye:

• o.d. = right eye

• o.s. = left eye

• o.u. = both eyes

What are four examples of pre-printed warning labels?

1. "Keep medication refrigerated"

2. "Administer with plenty of water"

3. "May cause drowsiness"

4. "For veterinary use only"

What are three common types of containers for repackaging medication?

1. Vials (for tablets/pills) - measured in drams

2. Plastic graduated bottles (for liquids) - measured in mL/cc or ounces

3. Squeezable tubes (for topical ointments)

What are three precautions for placing medications in containers?

1. Use childproof containers (push-down-and-turn)

2. Protect medication effectiveness (amber-colored vials protect from sunlight)

3. Offer easy-open containers for elderly/arthritic clients (with warning about risks)

List the six steps in filling a prescription

1. Determine if medication is pill, capsule, liquid, or ointment

2. Determine quantity to dispense

3. Choose proper container

4. Choose proper lid (childproof/easy-open/dropper)

5. Determine if other tools needed (funnel, spatula)

6. Locate and use counting tray for pills

What are the six essential steps to confirm correct medication?

1. Check label when removing bulk bottle from shelf

2. Compare drug spelling with prescription

3. Compare drug strength

4. Check label when beginning to fill

5. Check label when returning medication to shelf

6. Keep patient record handy for comparison

What are the "three-time label check" steps?

1. Check label when removing bulk bottle from shelf

2. Check label when beginning to fill prescription

3. Check label when returning medication to shelf

What are the "Five Rights" of drug identification?

1. RIGHT patient

2. RIGHT drug

3. RIGHT strength

4. RIGHT quantity

5. RIGHT frequency

When must a veterinary assistant calculate the amount to dispense rather than using a specified number?

When the prescription includes "qs" (quantity sufficient) instead of "dispense #X." The assistant must calculate based on dosage, frequency, and duration.

Example: "1 tab po bid x 10 days qs" = calculate: 1 tab × 2/day × 10 days = 20 tablets

What are the three types of medications based on usage, effects, and addiction potential?

1. OTC (Over-the-Counter) - purchased without prescription (e.g., famotidine/Pepcid)

2. Prescription medications - require written order (e.g., amoxicillin)

3. Controlled substances - potential for addiction/abuse (e.g., oxycodone)

Describe Schedules I-V of controlled substances.

• Schedule I: Highest abuse potential, no medical use, research only (MDMA/Ecstasy, psilocybin)

• Schedule II: High abuse potential, severe dependency, medical use with restrictions (morphine, methadone, Demerol, Ritalin)

• Schedule III: Moderate addictive potential (anabolic steroids, hydrocodone, codeine, ketamine)

• Schedule IV: Low abuse potential compared to I-III (alprazolam/Xanax, diazepam/Valium, tramadol)

• Schedule V: Low abuse potential, limited dependence (Robitussin AC, Lomotil)

How should controlled substances be stored?

• Schedule I: Securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet

• Schedules II-V: Securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet (may be dispersed throughout noncontrolled stock to prevent theft)

Who can access controlled substances in a veterinary facility?

Access is limited to only one or two staff members (veterinarian, veterinary technician, or office manager). Regular staff are not allowed access unless designated as key holders.

What are eight characteristics of the controlled substance log?

1. Legal document monitored by DEA

2. Separate log sheet for each container

3. New log sheet when new container opened

4. Tracks up to two years of inventory

5. Separate sections for initial/biennial inventory

6. Unopened container log

7. Opened container log

8. Reviewed monthly

What five basic aspects must be in each controlled substance log?

1. Name of controlled substance

2. Date received

3. Expiration date

4. Lot/serial number

5. Number of units/total volume

What six fields must be completed when dispensing a controlled substance?

1. Date dispensed

2. Time dispensed

3. Number of units/volume dispensed

4. Remainder left

5. Name/signature/initials of dispenser

6. Purpose for dispensing

What five examples of "additional information" belong in a controlled substance log?

1. Client's full name

2. Client's home address

3. Patient's name

4. Patient's species

5. Patient's weight

How long should controlled substance logs remain on file and why?

Minimum 2-5 years (depending on state law)

Why: The DEA may audit the facility, and records must be available for inspection.

What are three reasons for explaining medication administration to pet owners?

1. Veterinarian may not explain process

2. Client may not understand terminology

3. Some clients need instructions reviewed multiple times

What are the three major points to explain when discharging an outpatient?

1. Medication details (name, type, why prescribed, how often, how much, how to administer)

2. Follow-up home care (how to care for pet, what to expect, warning signs, follow-up appointments)

3. Environmental care (feeding, watering, exercise instructions)

What are the 11 steps in demonstrating medication administration to an owner?

1. Reference patient record for accuracy

2. Have labeled prescription in hand

3. Show how to open child-proof container

4. Pretend to administer (or give first dose)

5. Explain each step

6. Provide tips for resistant pets

7. Emphasize importance of schedule

8. Ask if they have questions

9. Repeat demonstration if needed

10. Ask client to demonstrate if complicated

11. Remind them they can call with questions

What are the 15 categories of veterinary medications and their purposes?

1. Anesthetics - Cause loss of sensation

2. Anthelmintics/Antiparasitics - Destroy/expel intestinal worms

3. Antibiotics - Kill/inhibit bacteria

4. Antifungals - Destroy/prevent fungi

5. Antihistamines - Counteract histamine in allergies

6. Behavior-modifying drugs - Reduce anxiety

7. Cardiac drugs - Treat heart diseases

8. Chemotherapeutics - Treat tumors/cancer

9. Gastrointestinal drugs - Treat stomach/bowel disorders

10. Hormones - Treat specific conditions (diabetes, thyroid)

11. Muscle relaxants - Reduce muscle tone/spasms/pain

12. Narcotics - Reduce/control pain, induce sleep

13. NSAIDs - Reduce swelling, inflammation, pain

14. Nutraceuticals - Nutritional supplements for illness prevention/treatment

15. Opioid pain relievers - Powerful pain relief (oxycodone, fentanyl)

What are four methods of administering medications?

1. Oral - by mouth

2. Aural - into the ear

3. Topical - on skin surface

4. Ophthalmic - on the eye

What is the primary advantage of oral medications?

They allow treatment to continue at home with the owner, which can shorten hospital stays and allow the patient to heal in a comfortable environment.

What three factors determine the method for administering oral medications?

1. Species of animal (dog vs. cat vs. bird)

2. Animal's disposition (cooperative vs. uncooperative)

3. Type/form of oral medication (tablet, liquid, paste)

Define "aural/otic."

Aural or otic means of or pertaining to the ear. Aural medication is inserted into or applied topically onto the ear.

What are the three primary anatomical areas of a cat's or dog's ear?

1. Outer ear - pinna (ear flap), L-shaped ear canal (vertical and horizontal portions), tragus

2. Middle ear - three small bones, bulla (air-filled cavity), eustachian tube, tympanic membrane (eardrum)

3. Inner ear - cochlea, centers for balance and hearing

What six items are needed to administer aural medications?

1. Otoscope

2. Cone-shaped head for otoscope

3. Cotton balls and cotton-tipped applicators

4. Ear cleaning solution

5. Medication (antibiotic ointment or ear drops)

6. Examination gloves

Define "ophthalmic."

Ophthalmic means of or pertaining to the eye. Ophthalmic medications treat an animal's eye.

What are 12 important factors in storing drugs?

1. Store according to manufacturer's instructions

2. Cool, dry location

3. Out of direct sunlight

4. Amber-colored containers for light protection

5. Biologics (vaccines) in designated refrigerator only

6. Refer to package insert for storage instructions

7. Maintain binder of drug inserts in pharmacy area

8. Use sheet protectors for inserts

9. File alphabetically

10. Replace inserts when drugs reformulated

11. Check expiration dates regularly

12. Use FIFO method (first in, first out

What are six steps in unpacking drug shipments?

1. Open invoice first (use as checklist)

2. Check off items as removed from boxes

3. Account for each bottle/container

4. Compare drug label to invoice

5. Note discrepancies for office manager

6. Stock new items behind older ones

7. Check expiration dates of current stock

8. Double-check inserts for special storage instructions

Define "nutraceuticals."

Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements used as medicine. They help prevent illness and assist in treatment programs for various ailments, injuries, and illnesses

How does good nutrition contribute to an animal's well-being?

Good nutrition and balanced diet are essential to health, performance, and well-being. Nutritional deficiencies can affect:

• Growth in juveniles

• Performance

• Recovery from illness/injury (may be delayed)

• Immune system response

• Onset of degenerative conditions

• Cognitive ability and behavior

What is the role of nutraceuticals in preventing illness?

Nutraceuticals/supplements:

• Raise nutritional availability of essential nutrients

• Provide full spectrum of vitamins, amino acids, minerals that may be deficient

• Support basic diet

• Enhance recovery from stress, illness, injury

• Help prevent onset of degenerative disorders (arthritis, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, skin disorders)

Amoxicillin - type and use

Type: Antibiotic
Use: Treat bacterial infections

Morphine - type and use

Type: Narcotic/Opioid (Schedule II)
Use: Pain management

Apomorphine - type and use

Type: Emetic
Use: Induces vomiting

schedule: 2

Famotidine (Pepcid) - type and use

Type: OTC gastrointestinal drug
Use: Reduces stomach acid

Oxycodone (OxyContin) - type and use

Type: Opioid pain reliever (Controlled substance)
Use: Powerful pain relief

MDMA (Ecstasy) - schedule and use

Schedule: I
Use: No medical use, research only

Psilocybin - schedule and use

Schedule: I
Use: No medical use, research only (hallucinogenic mushrooms)

Methadone - schedule and use

Schedule: II
Use: Pain management, addiction treatment

Demerol - schedule and use

Schedule: II
Use: Pain management

Ritalin - schedule and use

Schedule: II
Use: ADHD treatment

Hydrocodone (Vicodin) - schedule and use

Schedule: III
Use: Pain relief

Codeine - schedule and use

Schedule: III
Use: Pain relief, cough suppression

Ketamine (Special K) - schedule and use

Schedule: III
Use: Veterinary anesthetic (also abused as hallucinogen)

Anabolic steroids - schedule and use

Schedule: III
Use: Hormone replacement, muscle building

Alprazolam (Xanax) - schedule and use

Schedule: IV
Use: Anxiety treatment

Diazepam (Valium) - schedule and use

Schedule: IV
Use: Anxiety, muscle relaxant, seizure control

Tramadol (Ultram) - schedule and use

Schedule: IV
Use: Pain relief

Zopiclone (Lunesta) - schedule and use

Schedule: IV
Use: Sleep aid

Robitussin AC - schedule and use

Schedule: V
Use: Cough suppression (with codeine)

Lomotil - schedule and use

Schedule: V
Use: Treats diarrhea

Torbugesic - type and use

Type: Opioid analgesic
Use: Pain relief in animals

Clindamycin - type and use

Type: Antibiotic
Use: Treat bacterial infections

Ascriptin - type and use

Type: NSAID/antacid combination
Use: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory

Dram definition

Unit of apothecary weight equal to 1/8 of an ounce or 60 grains (3.89 grams)