GI Medications

Question 1

What class of drug is Famotidine? What is the most common indication?

Answer 1

H2 receptor antagonist

gastric acid reduction

Question 2

What class of drug is Lactulose? What are 2 major indications for its use?

Answer 2

laxative and ammonia reducer

1. stool softener
2. hepatic encephalopathy

Question 3

What antiemetic is commonly used in veterinary medicine? What are 2 major indications?

Answer 3

Cerenia (Maropitant)

1. acute vomiting
2. motion sickness

Question 4

In what situations should Cerenia be used cautiously?

Answer 4

• FB obstructions
• puppies <11 weeks old
• liver disease

Question 5

What GI prokinetic is commonly used in veterinary medicine? What are 3 common indications?

Answer 5

Metoclopramide

1. gastric motility disorders
2. vomiting
3. post-surgical ileus

Question 6

In what cases should the use of Metoclopramide be avoided?

Answer 6

• GI obstruction
• GI perforation
• GI hemorrhage

Question 7

What are 3 indications for the use of Metronidazole?

Answer 7

1. Giardia and other protozoal infections
2. anaerobic bacterial infection
3. inflammatory bowel disease

Question 8

What is the mechanism of action of Metronidazole?

Answer 8

inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by disrupting the DNA of microbial cells

Question 9

What drug class is Mirtazepine? What is the most common indication?

Answer 9

tetracyclic antidepressant (serotonin antagonist)

appetite stimulant + antiemetic

Question 10

When should the use of Mirtazepine be avoided?

Answer 10

if patient is on other antidepressants, such as MAOIs or SSRIs

Question 11

What proton pump inhibitor is commonly used in veterinary medicine? What are the 2 options?

Answer 11

Omeprazole

1. Prilosec - OTC PO
2. Pantoprazole - IV

Question 12

What is the major indication for the use of Omeprazole?

Answer 12

reduce gastric acid secretion

Question 13

What is Ondansetron? What is it most commonly used to treat?

Answer 13

serotonin receptor antagonist –> antiemetic

commonly used in oncology to treat side effects of chemotherapy

Question 14

What is a unique (non-GI) use for Ondansetron?

Answer 14

sleep apnea in brachycephalic breeds

Question 15

What is Sucralfate? How is it often administered? When should it be given?

Answer 15

gastroprotection against GI ulceration

tablets are crushed/mixed with water and administered orally as a slurry

2 hours AFTER food or medication