Pharmacology Drugs for Veterinary Technicians

Atropine

Proprietary Names: Numerous names

Drug Class: Anticholinergics

Schedule: IV-V

Common Use:

• Preanesthetic

• Dilates pupils

• Dries secretions

• Good for bradycardia

• Fast onset, short duration

Route: IV, IM, SQ

Species: Dogs, Cats, Pigs, Rodents

• Caution in ruminants, reptiles, and birds (species dependent)

Contraindications:

• Rabbits

• Animals with cardiac, GI, and/or ocular problems

• May cause tachycardia

Reversal Drug: None

Glycopyrrolate

Proprietary Names: Robinul-V

Drug Class: Anticholinergics

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Preanesthetic

• Dilates pupils

• Dries mucous membranes

• Suppresses salivation

• Slow onset, long duration

Route: IV, IM, SQ

Species: Dogs, Cats, Pigs, Rabbits

• Caution in ruminants, reptiles, and exotics

Contraindications:

• Animals with cardiac, GI, and/or ocular problems

Reversal Drug: None

Amitraz

Proprietary Names: Mitaban

Drug Class: MAOI, Antiparasitic

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Treats generalized demodicosis

• Prevents flea and tick infestation

Route: Topical

Species: Dogs, Ruminants, Pigs, Horses, Small mammals

Contraindications:

• Dogs under 4 months

• May be toxic to rabbits and cats

• Animals that are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Reversal Drug: Atipamezole, Yohimbine

Selegiline

Proprietary Names: Anipryl, Deprenyl, I-Deprenyl

Drug Class: MAO-B inhibitor

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Cognitive dysfunction and PDH in dogs

• Cushing’s syndrome (controversial)

Route: PO

Species: Dogs, Cats

Contraindications:

• Do not use with SSRIs, TCAs, sympathomimetic, or other MAO inhibitors

• Liver/kidney disease

• Aggressive/seizure-prone animals

• Pregnant/lactating animals

Reversal Drug: None

Fluoxetine

Proprietary Names: Prozac, Reconcile

Drug Class: SRRI

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Behavioral syndromes

• Obsessive disorders

• Phobias

• Aggression

• Inappropriate urine marking

• Separation anxiety

Route: PO

Species: Dogs, Cats, Birds

Contraindications:

• Do not use with other MAO inhibitors

• Epileptic patients

• Liver disease

• Breeding, pregnant, lactating animals

Reversal Drug: None

Amitriptyline

Proprietary Names: Elavil

Drug Class: TCA

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Inappropriate urination

• Anxiety

• Excessive grooming

• Chronic pain

Route: PO

Species: Usually cats, Dogs

Contraindications:

• Cardiac diseases

• Seizure-prone animals

• Glaucoma

• Urinary retention

• Do not use with MAO inhibitors

• Pregnancy/lactation

Reversal Drug: None

Clomipramine

Proprietary Names: Clomicalm

Drug Class: TCA

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Separation anxiety

• Compulsive disorders

Route: PO

Species: Usually dogs, cats

Contraindications:

• Cardiac diseases

• Seizure-prone animals

• Urinary retention

• Do not use with MAO inhibitors

• Pregnancy/Lactating animals

Reversal Drug: None

Sertraline

Proprietary Names: Zoloft

Drug Class: SSRI

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Anxiety disorders

• Compulsive behaviors

• Fear-based behaviors

Route: PO

Species: Dogs, Cats, Exotics

Contraindications:

• Do not combine with other serotonergic drugs

• Seizure-prone animals

• Hepatic impairment

• Pregnant/lactating animals

Reversal Drug: None

Paroxetine

Proprietary Names: Paxil

Drug Class: SSRI

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Anxiety disorders

• Fear-based aggression

• Compulsive disorders

• Inappropriate urination

Route: PO

Species: Dogs, cats, exotics

Contraindications:

• Do not use with other serotonergic drugs

• Seizure-prone animals

• Pregnancy/lactation

• Severe liver disease

Reversal Drug: None

Diazepam

Proprietary Names: Valium, Diastat

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant, Tranquilizer

Schedule: IV

Common Use:

• Premedication and induction

• Anticonvulsant

• Status epilepticus

• Appetite stimulant

• Often combined with ketamine

Route: IV, PO, Rectal, IM, IN

Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses, Exotics

Contraindications:

• Liver disease

• Aggressive/anxious animals

• Pregnant animals

• Geriatric patients

Reversal Drug: Flumazenil

Midazolam

Proprietary Names: Versed

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant, Tranquilizer

Schedule: IV

Common Use:

• Premedication and induction

• Anticonvulsant

• Neonates and geriatrics

• Critically ill patients

Route: SQ, IM, IV, IN

Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses, Exotics

Contraindications:

• May cause excitement in young, healthy animals

• Pregnancy/lactation

• Severe liver disease

Reversal Drug: Flumazenil

Acepromazine Maleate

Proprietary Names: PromAce

Drug Class: Tranquilizer, Phenothiazine

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Pre-anesthetic

• Tranquilizer

Route: SQ, IM, IV, PO

Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses, Exotics

Contraindications:

• Geriatric and neonates

• Liver and cardiac disease

• Large breeds, boxers, greyhounds, and terriers

Reversal Drug: None

Levetiracetam

Proprietary Names: Keppra

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Seizure management

• Cluster seizures and status epilepticus

• Less hepatotoxic than phenobarbital

Route: PO

Species: Dogs, Cats, Exotics

Contraindications:

• Renal insufficiency

• Caution if combined with other CNS depressants

• Pregnant/lactating animals

Reversal Drug: None

Potassium Bromide

Proprietary Names: KBr

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant

Schedule: N/A

Common Use:

• Seizure management

• Monotherapy

Route: PO

Species: Dogs

Contraindications:

• Renal disease

• Can cause bronchitis in cats

• High-chloride diets lower bromide levels (seizure risk)

• Low-chloride diets raise bromide levels (toxicity risk)

Reversal Drug: None

Phenobarbital

Proprietary Names: Luminal, Solfoton

Drug Class: Anticonvulsant

Schedule: IV

Common Use:

• Long-term control of epileptic seizures

• Seizure management

• Inexpensive

• Often used with potassium bromide or levetiracetam

Route: PO, IV

Species: Dogs

Contraindications:

• Liver disease

• Hypovolemia, anemia

• Risk of idiosyncratic bone marrow suppression in cats

Reversal Drug: None