Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key pharmacology terms and concepts from the lecture notes, suitable for quick review before exams.

Agonist

Drug that has affinity for a receptor and stimulates the receptor into action.

Antagonist

A substance (drug) that blocks or inhibits a receptor's action.

Receptor

A group of specialized molecules on or in a cell that bind with a drug to produce an effect.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical substance released at the synapse to stimulate, inhibit, or change the activity of the adjacent neuron.

Epinephrine

One of the primary adrenergic neurotransmitters; part of the adrenergic (sympathomimetic) system.

Norepinephrine

One of the primary adrenergic neurotransmitters; part of the adrenergic (sympathomimetic) system.

Cholinergic Agent

A drug that stimulates the parasympathetic system, often by mimicking acetylcholine.

Cholinergic Blocking Agent

A drug that blocks acetylcholine receptors (anticholinergic effect).

Beta-Blocker

A drug (e.g., propranolol) that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors.

Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic)

Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Over-the-Counter Drug

A drug that may be purchased without prescription from a veterinarian.

Prescription Drug

A drug that must be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Extralabel (Off-Label) Drug Use

Using a drug in a way not specified by the label.

Parenteral

Drugs administered by injection (not enteral).

Biotransformation

Metabolic alteration of a drug, usually in the liver, to a form that can be eliminated.

Pharmacokinetics

The body’s handling of a drug from administration to excretion (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

Therapeutic Index

The relationship between a drug’s therapeutic effects and harmful effects.

Withdrawal Time

The time that must pass after drug therapy ends before animal tissues/products are safe for consumption.

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)

Relationship required before prescription drugs can be dispensed; vet must be responsible for clinical judgments and follow-up care.

Drug Regimen Components

Dose, route, frequency, and duration of administration.

Dose

Amount of drug to be given.

Route

Method of drug administration (oral, injectable, etc.).

Frequency

How often the drug is given.

Duration

How long therapy lasts.

The Green Book

FDA-approved veterinary drugs are listed in this publication.

FARAD

Resources for avoiding drug residues in food-producing animals.

AMDUCA

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act; allows extralabel drug use under certain conditions.

Compounding

Diluting or combining existing drugs to prepare prescribed dosage forms.

Residue

Drug remains in animal tissues/products; potential for allergic reactions, neoplasia, or resistance.

Pharmacodynamic

Drug interactions related to effects on receptors or cells.

Pharmacokinetic

Drug interactions related to absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion.

Pharmaceutic

Physical/chemical interactions between drugs or dosage forms.

Liver

Organ where most biotransformation (metabolism) occurs.

Ethical Product

Product sold only through veterinarians by manufacturer policy (not FDA-mandated).

Extralabel (repeat)

Using a drug in a way not specified by the label.

Hypoventilation

A potential sign of narcotic overdose (not a term itself; included in context).

Naloxone

Narcotic antagonist used to treat opioid overdoses.

Nalorphine

Narcotic antagonist used to treat opioid overdoses.

Doxapram

Respiratory stimulant that can be given sublingually, intramuscularly, or via umbilical vein to stimulate respiration.

Pentobarbital Euthanasia (Class II vs III)

Euthanasia solutions containing pentobarbital may be Class II or Class III depending on additives.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioid-like analgesics produced by the body.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter widely distributed in the brain.

Diazepam

A benzodiazepine; an anti-anxiety medication and appetite stimulant in cats.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the pituitary to release gonadotropins.

Progestins

Synthetic hormones used for estrus synchronization, abortion, or induction of estrus.

Prostaglandins

Hormone-like compounds used for estrus synchronization, abortion, or induction of estrus.

Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4)

Two active hormones produced by the thyroid gland: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine).

Levothyroxine

Synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

A deficiency of thyroid hormones.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Conditions caused by excess circulating cortisol.

Lysodren, Vetoryl

Medications used to treat canine hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease).

Vetsulin

Insulin product used to treat diabetes in dogs and cats.

Nictitating Membrane (3rd Eyelid)

Third eyelid in animals.

Mydriatic

Agent that dilates the pupil.

Miotic

Agent that constricts the pupil.

Opthaine

Eye anesthetic used to provide local anesthesia to the eye.

Fluorescein Stain

Dye used to detect corneal epithelial defects and ulcers.

Ophthalmic Topicals

Eye medications applied topically (drops or ointments) for local treatment.

Amitraz

Formamidine insecticide/miticidal used in veterinary medicine.

Acarexx

Product used to treat ear mites (otodectes spp.).

Tropicamide

Mydriatic agent; 0.05 mg in a 0.5% solution used to dilate pupils.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

Infection treated with griseofulvin among other antifungals.

Aminoglycosides

Class of antibiotics that can be oto- and nephrotoxic.

Ivermectin/Moxidectin/Doramectin

Avermectin class of endo-/ectoparasiticides.

Milbemycin, Selamectin

Monthly heartworm preventives.

Diethylcarbamazine

Heartworm preventive listed among some products.

Penicillin/Cephalosporin Classes

Classes of antibiotics with different spectra; advised as background knowledge in veterinary pharmacology.

Anthelmintics (Praziquantel)

Drugs used to rid the body of parasites such as tapeworms.

Phoresis

A mechanism by which parasites or insects may transfer between hosts via carriers (contextual).

Endocrine System

Slow-acting system using hormones released into the bloodstream to regulate body processes.

Releasing Factors (RFs)

Hypothalamic messengers that stimulate pituitary hormone production.

Trophic Hormones

Pituitary hormones that stimulate a specific tissue or gland.

Major Endocrine Glands

Pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, testicles, adrenals, and pancreas.

Negative Feedback

Regulatory mechanism where high hormone levels reduce releasing factor production.

GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

Hypothalamic hormone classified as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Lipid-Soluble Prostaglandins Uses

Estrus synchronization, abortion induction, estrus induction.

Insulin Types

Short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins.

Regular Insulin

Fast-acting insulin used in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management.

NPH/PZI/Lente Insulin

Insulin formulations that require resuspension before administration.

Vetsulin

A veterinarian-approved insulin product.

Benzodiazepines

Drug class including diazepam; used as anti-anxiety agents and appetite stimulants in cats.

Iatrogenic

Caused by medical treatment or the doctor.

NOxytocin Priming

Oxytocin effects are primed by estrogen and progesterone (contextual endocrine concept).

Ocular Stains (Fluorescein)

Used as diagnostic aids to detect corneal defects; fluorescein outlines ulcers.

Cardiovascular Terms: Preload

Volume of blood in ventricles at end-diastole.

Cardiovascular Terms: Afterload

Arterial resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Condition where heart cannot pump effectively, leading to fluid retention.

ACE Inhibitors

Block conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; reduce blood pressure and afterload.

Vasodilators (Hydralazine, Nitroglycerin, Prazosin, Enalapril)

Drugs that dilate vessels; classified by arteriolar/venodilator/mixed effects.

Causes of Arrhythmias (Predisposing factors)

Hypoxia, electrolyte imbalances, increased sensitivity to catecholamines, drug interactions, trauma/disease.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors that detect tissue damage.

COX-2 Selective NSAIDs

NSAIDs that preferentially inhibit COX-2, reducing GI side effects.

Gastric Ulcers Treatments

Low GI risk NSAIDs; antiulcer strategies including prostaglandin analogs and protective agents.

Ototoxicity

Potential ear/hearing damage from certain drugs (aminoglycosides).

Griseofulvin

Antifungal used to treat dermatophytosis (ringworm).

Amitraz Dip

Topical acaricide/miticide for demodicosis and other parasites in some species.

Endoscopy: Mucociliary Defense

Part of the respiratory defense including coughing, sneezing, mucociliary clearance, and macrophages.

Aspirin (Cats)

Cats are sensitive to aspirin; overdose risk due to slower metabolism.

Integumentary System

Skin; largest organ in the body with protective and regulatory roles.