Veterinary Pharmacology Basics Flashcards

Which drug schedule classification includes medications with the highest accepted medical use but lowest abuse potential?

Answer: Schedule V

Schedule V drugs have the lowest abuse potential among controlled substances and include preparations with limited quantities of certain narcotics.

What is the term for the time required for the blood concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%?

Answer: Half-life

Half-life (t½) is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

A dog receiving NSAIDs should be monitored closely for signs of toxicity affecting which organ system?

Answer: Gastrointestinal and renal systems

NSAIDs can cause GI ulceration and renal damage in dogs, making gastrointestinal and renal monitoring essential.

Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action in an emergency?

Answer: Intravenous

Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream, producing the fastest onset of action.

Atropine is classified as which type of drug?

Answer: Anticholinergic

Atropine is an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent that blocks acetylcholine receptors, commonly used as a preanesthetic.

What does 'PRN' mean on a veterinary prescription label?

Answer: As needed

PRN is an abbreviation from Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed' or 'as the situation demands.'

Which antiparasitic drug class works by causing paralysis and death of parasites by enhancing GABA activity?

Answer: Macrocyclic lactones

Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin) enhance GABA-mediated neurotransmission in parasites, causing paralysis and death.