Introduction to Pharmacology

Question 1

What is a prescription?

Answer 1

A written directive, as for the compounding or dispensing and administration of drugs, or for other service to a particular patient.

Question 2

What does it mean to dispense?

Answer 2

To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.

Question 3

True or False. Veterinary Hospitals can dispense drugs

Answer 3

True. Veterinary hospital keep a supply of drugs that they can supply to pet owners based on a prescription by a veterinarian.

Question 4

What are the three types of names used to identify drugs?

Answer 4

The chemical name, the non-proprietary name and the proprietary name.

Question 5

What does DIN stand for?

Answer 5

Drug Identification Number

Question 6

Define DIN

Answer 6

It is the number that allows the Canadian government to identify a substance that it considers to be a drug

Question 7

What does OTC mean?

Answer 7

Over the counter

Question 8

On a drug label what do “Pr”, “C” and “N” mean?

Answer 8

“Pr” means that the drug is a non-controlled prescription drug
“C” means that it is a controlled drug
“N” means that it is a narcotic

Question 9

How is an over the counter drug identified?

Answer 9

It is a drug that on the packaging has a DIN but does not have the Pr, C or N symbol.

Question 10

What is drug compounding?

Answer 10

It is the term that describes any manipulation of a drug by combining, mixing, or altering its ingredients to create a dosage form other than what is approved by Health Canada.

Question 11

List 2 of 5 disadvantages of drug compounding

Answer 11

Compounded drugs have no DIN​

Compounding pharmacies are subjected to no external oversight​

There are limited studies of compounded drugs to back a specific formulation​

Limited studies backing that lot number ​

There is variable quality control in compounding pharmacies

Question 12

What other categories of substances are sold to pet owners in veterinary hospitals?

Answer 12

Pesticides, Veterinary Health Products and Chemicals

Question 13

In Canada, how are Veterinary Health Products identified?

Answer 13

They are assigned a unique number called their Notification Number (NN)

Question 14

In Canada, how are chemicals that are sold by veterinary hospitals identified?

Answer 14

They are assigned a unique number called their Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS RN).

Question 15

Describe the difference between Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Allergy or Hypersensitivity

Answer 15

Adverse drug reaction: “An undesirable and unintentional effect caused by a drug administered in the normal therapeutic manner.” ​
Drug Allergy: “Reactions are the adverse effects of drugs taken at a dose which is tolerated by normal subjects, and which clinically resemble allergy.”

Question 16

What information is required on all drug labels?

Answer 16

Name of client​

Name of drug and strength​

Date dispensed ​

Quantity dispensed ​

DIN Number​

Expiry Date​

Name of prescribing licensed veterinarian ​

Name, address and phone number of dispensing practice​

Identification of animal, patient, or production unit the drug is intended for​

Directions for use ​

The statement “Veterinary Use Only” ​

Necessary warnings about product safety, handling and withdrawal times (where appropriate)​

Question 17

What is the rule of 3 in veterinary pharmacology?

Answer 17

Whenever you are preparing a prescription check the bottle 3 times​. Specifically​

1. when you pick up the bottle​
2. when you open it, or put label on​
3. when you go to put it back