Drugs Acting on the GI System Flashcards
What are 2 major groups of appetite stimulants?
GABA agonists (Benzodiazepines, Propofol) Serotonin antagonists (Cyproheptadine, Mirtazepine)
What miscellaneous drugs can be used as appetite stimulants?
Glucocorticoids (prednisone)
B-vitamins
Megestrol acetate
Anabolic steroids (Winstrol)
How do GABA agonists stimulate appetite?
Stimulate GABA, and inhibit satiety center
What species are GABA agonists more effective in?
Cats
What is the duration of benzodiazepines (GABA agonist) for apetite stimulation?
Short term
Why do you not give Diazepam (GABA agonist) orally in cats?
Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity
How can you give Diazepam (GABA agonist)?
IV
How can you give Midazolam (GABA agonist)?
IM
What is the duration of propofol (GABA agonist)?
Very short term
Why must you be cautious when giving Propofol to cats if treating repeatedly?
Heinz body anemia
How do serotonin antagonists stimulate appetite?
Inhibit satiety center by blocking serotonin receptors
What two serotonin antagonists are used as appetite stimulants?
Cyprohepitadine
Mirtazapine
What species is cyproheptadine effective in?
Cats
What is a common side effect of the benzodiazepines and Cyproheptadine?
Sedation
How is Cyproheptadine given?
Orally
What species is Mirtazepine used in mostly?
Dogs
When are B vitamins most effective at stimulating appetite?
When there is a deficiency
How does prednisone work to stimulate appetite?
Negative feedback on the CRH
What two centers control vomiting?
Emetic center (inside BBB) CRTZ (outside BBB)
What can be used to induce emesis peripherally?
H2O2 (caution in cats)
What can be used to induce vomiting centrally? (2 drugs)
Apomorphine
Xylazine or Dexmedetomidine
How does apomorphine stimulate vomiting?
Stimulates dopamine receptors
What species is apomorphine most effective in?
Dogs
How doe Xylazine or Dexmedetomidine induce vomiting?
a2 agonist
