Pharmacology for Veterinary Pharmacy Technicians
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy Management course at HealthCareStudies (An LSPM brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A #
A
Adverse drug reaction (ADR) #
Adverse drug reaction (ADR)
An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced after the administration of a medica… #
ADRs can range from mild side effects to severe allergic reactions.
Analgesic #
Analgesic
Medications that provide pain relief without causing loss of consciousness #
Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids.
Antibiotic #
Antibiotic
Medications that fight bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibi… #
Examples include penicillin and tetracycline.
Anticoagulant #
Anticoagulant
Medications that prevent blood clot formation #
They are commonly used in conditions such as thrombosis and heart disease. Examples include heparin and warfarin.
Anticonvulsant #
Anticonvulsant
Medications used to prevent or control seizures #
They are commonly prescribed for epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Examples include phenobarbital and gabapentin.
Antifungal #
Antifungal
Medications that treat fungal infections by either killing fungi or inhibiting t… #
Examples include fluconazole and terbinafine.
Anti #
inflammatory
Medications that reduce inflammation and swelling #
They are commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis and allergies. Examples include corticosteroids and NSAIDs.
Antimicrobial #
Antimicrobial
A general term for medications that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms… #
A general term for medications that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Antiparasitic #
Antiparasitic
Medications that treat parasitic infections in animals #
They can target various parasites such as worms, ticks, and mites. Examples include ivermectin and praziquantel.
Antipyretic #
Antipyretic
Medications that reduce fever #
They are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of infections and inflammatory conditions. Examples include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Antiseptic #
Antiseptic
Substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissues #
They are commonly used to clean wounds and prevent infections. Examples include alcohol and povidone-iodine.
B #
B
Bioavailability #
Bioavailability
The rate and extent to which an administered drug reaches the systemic circulati… #
It is affected by factors such as drug formulation and route of administration.
Bioequivalence #
Bioequivalence
The similarity in the rate and extent of absorption of two formulations of the s… #
Bioequivalent products are expected to have the same therapeutic effects.
Biosafety #
Biosafety
Practices and procedures designed to prevent the exposure of personnel and the e… #
Practices and procedures designed to prevent the exposure of personnel and the environment to potentially hazardous biological agents such as pathogens and toxins.
C #
C
Contraindication #
Contraindication
A specific situation in which a drug should not be used due to the potential har… #
Contraindications are based on factors such as patient characteristics and medical conditions.
Controlled substance #
Controlled substance
A drug that is regulated by the government due to its potential for abuse and de… #
Controlled substances are categorized into different schedules based on their abuse potential.
Cytotoxic #
Cytotoxic
Medications that are toxic to cells or inhibit their growth #
They are commonly used in cancer treatment to kill cancer cells.
D #
D
Depot injection #
Depot injection
An injection of a drug formulation that releases the medication slowly over an e… #
Depot injections are often used to maintain therapeutic levels of a drug.
Dispensing #
Dispensing
The process of preparing and providing medications to patients based on a prescr… #
Dispensing involves labeling, packaging, and providing information about the medication.
E #
E
Extemporaneous compounding #
Extemporaneous compounding
The preparation of customized medications for individual patients based on a pre… #
Extemporaneous compounding is often required for veterinary patients with specific needs.
F #
F
Formulary #
Formulary
A list of medications approved for use within a healthcare facility or organizat… #
Formularies often include information on drug dosages, indications, and restrictions.
G #
G
Generic drug #
Generic drug
A medication that contains the same active ingredient as a brand #
name drug and is bioequivalent in terms of dose, strength, and route of administration. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs.
Geriatric patient #
Geriatric patient
An older patient in veterinary medicine, typically over the age of 7 #
8 years depending on the species. Geriatric patients may require special considerations in drug selection and dosing.
H #
H
Half #
life
The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by hal… #
The half-life of a drug influences its dosing frequency and duration of action.
Herb #
drug interaction
An interaction between a medication and an herbal supplement that alters the pha… #
Herb-drug interactions can affect drug efficacy and safety.
Hypersensitivity #
Hypersensitivity
An exaggerated immune response to a substance that is normally harmless #
Hypersensitivity reactions can range from mild allergies to severe anaphylaxis.
I #
I
Immune system #
Immune system
The body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases #
The immune system recognizes and destroys pathogens to maintain health and prevent illness.
Immunosuppressant #
Immunosuppressant
Medications that suppress the immune system to treat autoimmune diseases, preven… #
Examples include corticosteroids and cyclosporine.
Infusion #
Infusion
The slow administration of a drug or fluid into the body over a specified period #
Infusions are commonly used for medications that require a constant rate of delivery.
Injectable #
Injectable
A medication that is administered by injection, bypassing the digestive system #
Injectable medications can be given intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously.
J #
J
K #
K
L #
L
Liposome #
Liposome
A vesicle composed of lipids that can encapsulate drugs for targeted delivery #
Liposomes improve drug solubility and stability and can enhance drug uptake by cells.
M #
M
Metabolism #
Metabolism
The process by which the body breaks down drugs into smaller molecules to facili… #
Drug metabolism primarily occurs in the liver.
N #
N
Narrow therapeutic index (NTI) #
Narrow therapeutic index (NTI)
A small difference between the minimum effective dose and the minimum toxic dose… #
Medications with a narrow therapeutic index require careful dosing to avoid adverse effects.
O #
O
Over #
the-counter (OTC)
Medications that can be purchased without a prescription #
OTC drugs are typically used to treat minor ailments and symptoms.
P #
P
Pharmacodynamics #
Pharmacodynamics
The study of how drugs exert their effects on the body, including the mechanisms… #
The study of how drugs exert their effects on the body, including the mechanisms of action, receptor interactions, and physiological responses to drugs.
Pharmacokinetics #
Pharmacokinetics
The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by t… #
Pharmacokinetics influences the concentration of a drug at its site of action.
Pharmacology #
Pharmacology
The study of how drugs interact with living organisms to produce therapeutic eff… #
Pharmacology encompasses drug actions, mechanisms, and effects on the body.
Pharmacy technician #
Pharmacy technician
A healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications, man… #
Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in pharmacy operations.
Prescription #
Prescription
A written or electronic order from a licensed healthcare provider for the dispen… #
Prescriptions include information on drug name, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
Prophylaxis #
Prophylaxis
The prevention of disease or infection using medications or other interventions #
Prophylaxis is commonly used to protect animals from parasites, infections, and other health risks.
Q #
Q
Quality control #
Quality control
The process of ensuring the safety, efficacy, and purity of medications through… #
Quality control measures are essential to maintain medication quality and patient safety.
R #
R
Receptor #
Receptor
A protein molecule on a cell surface or within a cell that binds to specific mol… #
Receptor activation triggers cellular responses.
Route of administration #
Route of administration
The method by which a drug is delivered into the body, such as oral, intravenous… #
The route of administration affects drug absorption, distribution, and onset of action.
S #
S
Side effect #
Side effect
An unintended and often undesirable effect of a medication in addition to its th… #
Side effects can range from mild to severe and may require medical attention.
Subcutaneous #
Subcutaneous
A route of drug administration in which the medication is injected into the tiss… #
Subcutaneous injections are commonly used for vaccines and medications that require slow absorption.
T #
T
Therapeutic index #
Therapeutic index
The ratio of the minimum toxic dose to the minimum effective dose of a drug #
A high therapeutic index indicates a wide margin of safety, while a low index suggests a narrow margin of safety.
Topical #
Topical
A route of drug administration in which the medication is applied to the skin or… #
Topical medications are used to treat localized conditions such as skin infections and eye disorders.
U #
U
V #
V
Veterinary pharmacy #
Veterinary pharmacy
A specialized field of pharmacy that focuses on the compounding, dispensing, and… #
Veterinary pharmacists work with veterinarians to ensure optimal drug therapy for animal patients.
W #
W
X #
X
Y #
Y
Z #
Z