PHARMACOLOGY CH 1

What is an agonist?

A drug that binds to a receptor and stimulates it to action

What is a contraindication?

A reason not to use a drug in a particular situation.

What is efficacy?

The degree to which a drug produces its desired effects in a patient.

What is an over-the-counter drug?

A drug that can be purchased and used without a prescription.

What is a prescription drug?

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

What is a receptor?

Specialized molecules on or in a cell that bind with a drug to produce an effect.

What is the therapeutic index?

The ratio expressing a drug’s therapeutic vs. harmful effects.

What is withdrawal time?

The time between the end of drug therapy and elimination from tissues/products.

What is a veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR)?

Relationship that must exist between vet, patient, and client before prescription drugs can be dispensed.

Four sources of veterinary drugs?

Animal products, plant materials, minerals, synthetic products.

Four components of a drug regimen?

Dose, route, frequency, duration.

Conditions for a valid VCPR?

Vet assumes responsibility, has recently seen animal and knows its care, available for follow-up.

Vet tech’s responsibilities in drug administration?

Carry out vet orders correctly, check label 3x, administer proper dose/route, monitor patient for effects, know withdrawal times/residues.

Sequence of drug events?

→ Absorption → Distribution → Biotransformation → Excretion.

Oral –

simple, but absorption can vary.

Subcutaneous –

easy, but slow absorption.

Intramuscular

faster than SC, avoid vessels.

Intravenous

rapid, can use irritating solutions, risk of phlebitis/adverse effects.

Intraperitoneal

fluids/special cases, risk of organ puncture.

Intraarterial

localized, dangerous.

Intracardiac

emergency only, very high risk.

Intramedullary

for fluids/blood when veins unusable.

Inhalational

direct to respiratory tract, special equipment.

Topical

applied to skin/mucosa, sometimes needs carriers.

Intradermal

allergy and TB testing.

Factors influencing absorption?

Method, pH/ionization, surface area, blood supply, solubility, dosage form, GI status, other drugs.

Most drug biotransformation occurs in?

Liver.

Most drug excretion occurs via?

Kidneys.

Drugs usually act by binding to?

Receptors.

Manufacturer’s exclusive drug name?

Proprietary/trade name.

Six items required on a drug label?

Generic + trade names, concentration/quantity, manufacturer info, controlled substance status, lot number, expiration date.

Three agencies regulating animal health products?

FDA, EPA, USDA.

Why do clinics dispense instead of prescribe?

Profit from sales

How are animal health products marketed?

Through distributors/wholesalers with sales reps, full-service companies, mail-order/discount houses.

All FDA-approved veterinary drugs are listed in?

The Green Book.

Purpose of FARAD?

Provides guidance to prevent residues in animal food products (safe milk/meat withdrawal times).

Which act legalized extralabel drug use?

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA).

What is compounding?

Preparing a drug in a form or species not on the label.

Potential dangers of residues in food animals?

Allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, carcinogenicity.

Three classes of drug interactions?

Pharmacodynamic, Pharmacokinetic, Pharmaceutic.

Drug interactions are common when two drugs are metabolized by the?

Liver (cytochrome P-450 system).

Define an “ethical product.”

A drug sold only through veterinarians by manufacturer policy (not FDA).

Once biotransformed, a drug is called a?

Metabolite

A reason to use a drug is called a(n):

Indication.

The diagnostic method of drug choice excludes?

Practical experience (it requires patient assessment, history, labs).

Extralabel use means?

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

Which statement is NOT true about a VCPR?

Vet has seen and treated all client’s pets except the dog needing heartworm prevention.

The complex sequence of drug events is?

Pharmacokinetics.

Parenteral drugs are administered?

By injection.

The body’s ability to chemically alter drugs for elimination is?

Metabolism (biotransformation)

The degree a drug produces its desired response =

Efficacy.

An adverse drug reaction is always life-threatening (True/False)?

False.

Which does NOT regulate animal health products?

AVMA

Six AVMA-recommended practices for safe drug disposal?

1. Incinerate when possible.
   
   

2. Send to landfill if incineration unavailable.
   
   

3. Never flush drugs.
   
   

4. Maintain inventory control.
   
   

5. Follow state/federal guidelines.
   
   

6. Educate clients on proper disposal.