Veterinary Pharmacy

Question 1

List five reasons why veterinary patient care is important to pharmacists in community practice

Answer 1

o	Animals in our lives
	They serve as a companion and helps with improving quality of 
           life
o	Home
o	Healthcare
	Pharmacies carry and sell veterinary products
o	Research
o	Service

Question 2

What are the four pivotal differences between animals and humans that should be considered when answering drug information questions?

Answer 2

o	Species Differences
	PK/PD
	Dosing Challenges
	     •Behavior traits, husbandry, grooming habits, palatability
o	Costs of Therapy
o	Compliance
o	Roles of Animal in Household
	Companion vs. Food Animal vs. Service Animal vs. Breeding Stock 
         vs. Performance Animal

Question 3

What are the toxicity concerns regarding acetaminophen (human OTC) being used in veterinary patients?

Answer 3

 Acetaminophen (Human OTC) Contraindicated in cats and ferrets
• Lack ability to metabolize in liver via glucuronidation
• Hepatotoxicity in dogs

Question 4

What are the toxicity concerns regarding NSAIDs and Aspirin (human OTC) being used in veterinary patients?

Answer 4

• Dose-dependent toxicity in dogs and cats
• Much longer half-lives
• Vomiting, GI ulceration, hematemesis, melena, Heinz body anemia (cats), metabolic acidosis, hyperthermia, renal and liver damage

Question 5

What are the toxicity concerns regarding Levthyroxine (human OTC) being used in dogs?

Answer 5

• Doses for dogs can be 10x or more a human dose
• Shorter half-life, lower oral bioavailability
• Human tablets range: 25mcg – 300mcg
• Veterinary tablets: 200mcg – 1000mcg

Question 6

What does the abbreviation of “SID” stand for?

Answer 6

SID = semel in die = once a day

Question 7

What is the legal challenge in making over-the counter drug recommendations for veterinary patients?

Answer 7

o According to the FDA, “OTC drugs are defined as drugs that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional”
o Use of human marketed OTC drugs in animals do NOT meet this definition
o Use of Non-prescription drugs and supplements should ALWAYS be under the care of a veterinarian

Question 8

What question should a pharmacist ask patients when they ask about OTC vet products?

Answer 8

“Has this been recommended by your pet’s veterinarian?”

Question 9

Name at least two resources for pharmacists that include drug information on veterinary species and veterinary drugs

Answer 9

o	Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook
o	Exotic Animal Formulary
o	Merck Veterinary Manual
o	Compendium of Veterinary Products
o	Animal Drugs @ FDA
o	DailyMed: Current Medication Information 
o	Pillbox
o	Primary Literature