other drug regulations

OTC (Over the Counter) Drugs

• Non-prescription drugs (e.g., vitamins, mineral supplements, shampoos).

• The veterinary team is responsible for ensuring they are used properly.

Investigational & Emergency Drugs

• Not licensed for standard use.

• Can be obtained for clinical trials or emergencies if no other alternative exists.

Drugs Not Cleared for Veterinary Use

• A DVM may use any drug they see clinically appropriate.

• The DVM bears responsibility for any adverse effects.

• Requires a prescription to dispense.

Withdrawal Times

• Veterinary drugs used on food-producing animals must have specified withdrawal times for meat, milk, and eggs.

• Withdrawal times are specific to dose and species.

• The manufacturing company must provide withdrawal times; published lists are available from the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs.

• Clients must be advised of withdrawal times.

Producers must keep medical records for a minimum of 5 years (even if the animal is no longer present).

Prescription Writing

An RVT should be able to read and fill a prescription. A valid veterinary prescription must include:

1. Date written

2. Name and address of the animal's owner

3. Name and species of patient

4. Superscription — "Rx" ("take thou")

5. Name and concentration of drug

6. Total amount of drug

7. Directions to the client for use of the drug

8. Repeats: yes or no, and number of repeats

9. Signature of the veterinarian

Labelling

General rule: Whenever drugs are removed from the manufacturer's container, they must be properly labelled unless immediately administered.

In-hospital drugs:

• Injectable medications — label the syringe.

• Ongoing in-hospital medications should be labelled as if they were being dispensed.

• Never place a new label over an old label.

• Euthanasia drugs must be coloured/dyed (known as "blue juice").

Dispensed drugs — required label information:

• "Veterinary Use Only" (often pre printed)

• Name of the client (last name sufficient)

• Name of the drug dispensed

• Quantity of the drug dispensed

• Name of the facility and the veterinarian

• Animal identification

• DIN

• Directions for use

• Refills

• Date

(Withdrawal times

• Storage precautions

• Toxicity warnings

• Expiry date)

Client instructions — most important elements:

• Amount: how many tablets or mLs

• Frequency: be specific — use "every 8 hours" rather than "3 times a day"

• Route: orally/by mouth, in eye, in ear, etc.

• Length of treatment: always specify when to stop (owners often stop when symptoms resolve)

• Have the client read the label, verbalize the instructions back, and address any questions.

Drug Dispensing Procedures

• Choose an appropriate container (consider form: powder, liquid, tablet; light sensitivity; child-proof requirements).

• Apply labels to liquid containers after the liquid is poured.

• Expel trapped air from ointments or creams using a tongue depressor; remove excess.

• Use a counting tray for tablets and capsules.

  • Important: anything that contacts your skin is absorbed — do not handle medications directly.

Compounded Medications

• Medications prepared in-clinic or at a compounding pharmacy.

• Examples: scratches cream, green wound cream, flavoured oral bute (horses), amoxicillin tuna-flavoured liquid.

• Considered new drugs — responsibility lies with the DVM.

• Require a prescription.

• Must meet all prescription label requirements.

Drug Labels & Inserts

Read the label — 3 times.

A drug label will include:

• Name of drug

• Form of drug

• Ingredients

• Drug schedule (Pr, C, or N)

• Concentration (note: many drugs come in multiple concentrations)

• Indications for use

• Dosage and administration

• Cautions and warnings

• Storage requirements

• w/dl times

• Expiry date

• DIN (drug identification number)