Veterinary drugs Flashcards
Amoxicillin
Group: Penicillin
Indications: Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for a variety of infections caused by bacteria sensitive to amoxicillin, including skin infections, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses, and livestock.
: Enrofloxacin
Group: Fluoroquinolone
Indications: Treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, some gram-positive bacteria, and mycoplasma, including skin infections, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Species: Dogs, Cats, Exotic animal
Metronidazole
Group: Nitroimidazole
Indications: Primarily used for its antiprotozoal and anaerobic antibacterial activity, including Giardia infections and periodontal disease.
Species: Dogs, Cats.
Clindamycin
Group: Lincosamide
Indications: Used for osteomyelitis, dental infections, and other infections caused by anaerobic bacteria as well as some protozoa.
Species: Dogs, Cats.
Cephalexin
Group: Cephalosporin (1st generation)
Indications: Skin infections (e.g., pyoderma), bone infections, and respiratory tract infections.
Species: Dogs, Cats.
Tetracycline
Group: Tetracycline
Indications: Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for a variety of infections, including respiratory tract infections, some sexually transmitted infections, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses, and livestock.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole)
Group: Sulfonamide combination
Indications: Urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and protozoal infections.
Species: Dogs, Cats.
Gentamicin
Group: Aminoglycoside
Indications: Severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria, including sepsis and pneumonia.
Species: Dogs, Cats, Horses.
Doxycycline
Group: Tetracycline
Indications: Tick-borne diseases, respiratory tract infections, and infections caused by Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and some protozoa.
Species: Dogs, Cats, Exotic animals.
Penicillin G
Group: Penicillin
Indications: Infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, and Clostridium.
Species: Livestock, Horses.
Penicillins
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death.
Common Uses: Effective against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria. Used for skin infections, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Species: Broadly used across many species including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Cephalosporins
Mechanism of Action: Similar to penicillins, they disrupt the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.
Common Uses: Classified into generations, with a broad range of activity from gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria. Used for skin infections, bone infections, and respiratory infections.
Species: Used in dogs, cats, and livestock.
Fluoroquinolones
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial DNA replication.
Common Uses: Effective against gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria. Used for urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections.
Species: Dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Use in food-producing animals is restricted due to potential resistance.
Tetracyclines
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome.
Common Uses: Broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against a wide variety of bacteria, including Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia. Used for respiratory infections and tick-borne diseases.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Aminoglycosides
Mechanism of Action: Bind to the bacterial ribosome, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting protein synthesis.
Common Uses: Effective against gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria. Used for severe infections like sepsis and pneumonia.
Species: Mainly used in dogs, cats, and horses. Requires careful monitoring due to potential toxicity.
Macrolides
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome.
Common Uses: Effective against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria. Used for respiratory infections and infections caused by Mycoplasma.
Species: Dogs, cats, and livestock.
Sulfonamides
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit folic acid synthesis, which is essential for bacterial DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
Common Uses: Broad-spectrum antibiotics used for urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and protozoal infections.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Lincosamides
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome.
Common Uses: Effective against anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa. Used for dental infections, bone infections, and deep skin infections.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Nitroimidazoles (e.g., Metronidazole)
Mechanism of Action: Cause DNA strand breakage and loss of helical DNA structure, leading to bacterial cell death.
Common Uses: Effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Commonly used for gastrointestinal infections like Giardia.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Glycopeptides (e.g., Vancomycin)
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Common Uses: Used as a last resort for severe infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA.
Species: Primarily used in humans, but occasionally in veterinary medicine for resistant infections in dogs and cats under strict regulation.
Carprofen
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.
Common Uses: Management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and postoperative pain.
Species: Primarily dogs.
Meloxicam
Mechanism of Action: Selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme, reducing inflammation, pain, and fever with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
Common Uses: Chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, postoperative pain.
Species: Dogs, cats, and exotics.
Firocoxib
Mechanism of Action: Selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing production of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.
Common Uses: Pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Species: Dogs and horses.
Ketoprofen
Mechanism of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor, reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.
Common Uses: Management of musculoskeletal pain, fever, and inflammation.
Species: Dogs, cats, and horses.
Phenylbutazone (Bute)
Mechanism of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor, reducing inflammation and pain.
Common Uses: Used primarily for pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
Species: Primarily horses.
Flunixin Meglumine
Mechanism of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor, with potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.
Common Uses: Colic pain in horses, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic in cattle.
Species: Horses and cattle.
Tolfenamic Acid
Mechanism of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor, reducing the production of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.
Common Uses: Short-term management of fever and acute inflammation.
Species: Cats and dogs, also used in livestock.
Piroxicam
Mechanism of Action: Non-selective COX inhibitor, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
Common Uses: Part of cancer therapy protocols due to its anti-tumor properties, in addition to pain management.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Deracoxib
Mechanism of Action: Selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing inflammation and pain with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Common Uses: Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, postoperative pain.
Species: Dogs.
Ibuprofen
Note: While common in human medicine, ibuprofen is not recommended for use in veterinary patients due to its high potential for causing gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, and other toxic effects.
Species: Not recommended for any veterinary species.
Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine)
Mechanism of Action: Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to decrease the perception of pain.
Common Uses: Severe pain management, postoperative pain, chronic pain conditions.
Species: Dogs, cats, and horses.
NSAIDs (e.g., Carprofen, Meloxicam, Firocoxib)
Mechanism of Action: Inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation and pain.
Common Uses: Management of inflammation, pain associated with osteoarthritis, postoperative pain.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses.
Local Anesthetics (e.g., Lidocaine, Bupivacaine)
Mechanism of Action: Block sodium channels, preventing the conduction of nerve impulses and thus the sensation of pain.
Common Uses: Local or regional anesthesia for surgical procedures, pain relief for minor procedures.
Species: All species.
Alpha-2 Agonists (e.g., Xylazine, Dexmedetomidine)
Mechanism of Action: Stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to sedation and analgesia.
Common Uses: Sedation and analgesia for minor procedures, premedication before anesthesia.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Gabapentin
Mechanism of Action: Modulates calcium channels and reduces neurotransmitter release, leading to analgesic and anticonvulsant effects.
Common Uses: Neuropathic pain, adjunct for chronic pain management.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Tramadol
Mechanism of Action: Binds to mu-opioid receptors and inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its analgesic effects.
Common Uses: Management of mild to moderate pain.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Amantadine
Mechanism of Action: NMDA receptor antagonist, which helps in chronic pain conditions by preventing central sensitization.
Common Uses: Chronic pain management, especially in cases of osteoarthritis.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Note: Not commonly used in all species due to high risk of toxicity, especially in cats and dogs.
Mechanism of Action: Analgesic and antipyretic effects, possibly through inhibition of COX enzymes in the brain.
Common Uses: Limited use in veterinary medicine; sometimes used in dogs with caution for mild pain relief.
Species: Dogs (with extreme caution), not recommended for cats.
Propofol
Mechanism of Action: Enhances the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the central nervous system, leading to sedation, hypnosis, and anesthesia.
Common Uses: Induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Rapid onset and short duration of action.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses.
Ketamine
Mechanism of Action: NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, producing dissociative anesthesia and analgesia.
Common Uses: Induction agent often used in combination with other drugs like alpha-2 agonists or benzodiazepines for balanced anesthesia.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals.
Alfaxalone
Mechanism of Action: Steroid anesthetic that modulates GABA_A receptors, leading to anesthesia.
Common Uses: Induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Known for its safety profile and minimal cardiovascular effects.
Species: Dogs, cats.
Thiopental
Mechanism of Action: Barbiturate that enhances GABA activity, leading to rapid anesthesia induction.
Common Uses: Induction of anesthesia, especially in emergency situations where rapid effect is desired. Less commonly used due to availability of safer alternatives.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses.
Etomidate
Mechanism of Action: Enhances GABA activity, leading to sedation and anesthesia without significant cardiovascular depression.
Common Uses: Induction agent preferred in patients with cardiac disease or where cardiovascular stability is essential.
Species: Dogs, occasionally cats.
Midazolam (and other Benzodiazepines)
Mechanism of Action: Enhances the effect of GABA, leading to sedation, anxiolysis, and muscle relaxation.
Common Uses: Commonly used in combination with other induction agents to provide muscle relaxation and reduce the dose of the primary induction agent needed.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and exotics.
Isoflurane/Sevoflurane (Inhalant Agents)
Note: While primarily used for maintenance of anesthesia, they can also be used for induction in certain situations, especially in small or exotic animals.
Mechanism of Action: Enhance GABA and glycine receptor activity, leading to anesthesia. The exact mechanism is not fully understood.
Common Uses: Rapid induction via mask or chamber in small or difficult-to-handle animals where intravenous access is challenging.
Species: All species, especially small and exotic animals.
Ivermectin
Mechanism of Action: Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells of parasites, causing paralysis and death.
Common Uses: Broad-spectrum control of internal and external parasites, including heartworms, mites, and some ticks.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Caution in some dog breeds due to MDR1 gene mutation.
Milbemycin Oxime
Mechanism of Action: Acts on glutamate-gated chloride channels, similar to ivermectin, leading to paralysis and death of parasites.
Common Uses: Prevention of heartworm disease and control of intestinal worms, such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Selamectin
Mechanism of Action: Acts on parasite nerve and muscle cells, leading to paralysis and death. Similar mechanism to ivermectin but formulated for topical use.
Common Uses: Prevention of heartworm disease, and treatment of fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and certain ticks.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Fipronil
Mechanism of Action: Disrupts the insect central nervous system by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels, leading to paralysis and death.
Common Uses: Topical treatment for flea and tick infestations.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Praziquantel
Mechanism of Action: Causes severe contraction and paralysis of parasite’s muscles, leading to detachment from the host tissue. Increases the permeability of the parasite’s cell membrane to calcium, resulting in death.
Common Uses: Treatment of tapeworm infections.
Species: Dogs, cats, and horses.
Pyrantel Pamoate
Mechanism of Action: Agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nematode muscles, causing spastic paralysis followed by expulsion.
Common Uses: Treatment and control of hookworms and roundworms.
Species: Dogs, cats, and horses.
Fenbendazole
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits microtubule synthesis in parasites, disrupting essential structures and processes, leading to death.
Common Uses: Broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against gastrointestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and certain tapeworms.
Species: Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Moxidectin
Mechanism of Action: Similar to ivermectin, it binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing paralysis and death of parasites.
Common Uses: Prevention of heartworm disease, control of internal and external parasites including intestinal worms and fleas.
Species: Dogs, cats, and livestock.
Amitraz
Mechanism of Action: An alpha-adrenergic agonist that affects the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and death.
Common Uses: Control of ticks and mites.
Species: Dogs. Not recommended for use in cats.
Lufenuron
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the synthesis of chitin, which is necessary for the development of the exoskeleton in flea larvae, thus breaking the flea life cycle.
Common Uses: Flea control, administered orally or as an injectable, preventing flea populations from developing.
Species: Dogs and cats.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Examples: Carprofen, Meloxicam, Firocoxib
Mechanism: Inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thus decreasing inflammation and pain.
Uses: Arthritis, postoperative pain, and inflammation in dogs and cats.
Dosage: Specific to drug and species.
Side Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, renal and liver impairment.
Contraindications: Use with caution in animals with renal, cardiac, or hepatic diseases and those that are dehydrated.
Opioids
Examples: Morphine, Fentanyl, Buprenorphine, Tramadol
Mechanism: Bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas, reducing the perception of pain.
Uses: Severe pain management, anesthesia premedication.
Dosage: Specific to drug and species.
Side Effects: Respiratory depression, sedation, constipation.
Contraindications: Use with caution in animals with head trauma, respiratory disease, or renal impairment.
Local Anesthetics
Examples: Lidocaine, Bupivacaine
Mechanism: Block sodium channels, preventing nerve impulse propagation and thus sensation transmission including pain.
Uses: Local anesthesia for surgical procedures, nerve blocks.
Dosage: Specific to procedure and species.
Side Effects: Toxicity if absorbed systemically (CNS and cardiovascular effects).
Contraindications: Avoid in areas of infection; use with caution in patients with heart disease.
Corticosteroids
Examples: Prednisolone, Dexamethasone
Mechanism: Mimic cortisol, reducing inflammation and immune responses.
Uses: Chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases.
Dosage: Specific to condition and species.
Side Effects: Immunosuppression, polydipsia, polyuria, and potential for iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome.
Contraindications: Active infections, diabetes mellitus, long-term use considerations.
Opioid Agonists
Examples: Morphine, Fentanyl, Methadone
Mechanism: Activate mu-opioid receptors, leading to analgesia, sedation, and euphoria.
Uses: Pain relief, sedation, and as part of anesthesia protocols in various species.
Side Effects: Respiratory depression, bradycardia, constipation, potential for dependence.
Contraindications: Patients with respiratory distress, head trauma, or those receiving MAOIs.
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Examples: Terbutaline, Albuterol
Mechanism: Stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation.
Uses: Management of bronchospasm, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in animals.
Side Effects: Tachycardia, muscle tremors, hyperactivity.
Contraindications: Animals with cardiovascular disease.
Opioid Antagonists
Examples: Naloxone, Naltrexone
Mechanism: Bind to and block opioid receptors, reversing the effects of opioid agonists.
Uses: Treatment of opioid overdose, reversal of opioid-induced sedation or respiratory depression.
Side Effects: Rapid reversal of analgesia can cause pain and distress.
Contraindications: Use with caution, considering the risk of acute pain and withdrawal symptoms.
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists
Examples: Prazosin, Yohimbine
Mechanism: Block alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.
Uses: Treatment of hypertension, management of urinary retention, reversal of certain sedatives (e.g., medetomidine).
Side Effects: Hypotension, reflex tachycardia, dizziness.
Contraindications: Animals with hypotension or those prone to tachyarrhythmias.
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists (Beta Blockers)
Examples: Atenolol, Propranolol
Mechanism: Block beta-adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Uses: Management of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and certain types of cardiomyopathy.
Side Effects: Bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm in predisposed species.
Contraindications: Animals with asthma, certain heart blockages, or severe heart failure.
