Veterinary Pharmacology Basics Flashcards

Cats are particularly sensitive to which common over-the-counter pain reliever due to a deficiency in glucuronidation?

Answer: Acetaminophen

Cats lack the hepatic glucuronyl transferase enzyme needed to metabolize acetaminophen, making it highly toxic and potentially fatal.

Which class of antibiotics inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and includes amoxicillin?

Answer: Beta-lactams

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.

What is the meaning of 'bioavailability' in pharmacology?

Answer: The fraction of administered drug that reaches systemic circulation

Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug dose that reaches systemic circulation in an unchanged, active form.

Which drug is the reversal agent for alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as dexmedetomidine?

Answer: Atipamezole

Atipamezole (Antisedan) is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist used to reverse sedation caused by dexmedetomidine or xylazine.

A veterinary technician notices a cat's urine turns dark brown after drug administration. Which drug is most likely responsible?

Answer: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen toxicity in cats causes methemoglobinemia and hemolysis, resulting in brown or muddy-colored urine.

What does 'contraindication' mean in veterinary pharmacology?

Answer: A condition or factor that makes a drug unsafe to use

A contraindication is a specific situation or condition in which a drug should not be used because its risks outweigh the benefits.

Which type of drug interaction occurs when two drugs together produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects?

Answer: Synergism (potentiation)

Synergism or potentiation occurs when combined drugs produce an effect greater than the sum of their separate effects (e.g., 1+1=3).