Veterinary Compounding Practicum in Pharmacy Technician

Working with Veterinarians Historically, veterinarians have practiced medicine independently of other health care professionals. The dispensing of prescription medications for animals was predominantly done in the veterinarian’s office or animal hospital. Many veterinarians feel threatened by the services offered by a compounding pharmacy.

Working with Veterinarians The compounding of veterinary medications for animals should be limited to: Specialized dosage forms Unique dosages that are not readily available to the vet Combination therapies that will improve treatment and compliance A pharmacy specializing in the compounding of veterinary medications should be an extension of the vet. The compounding pharmacy should not stock commercially available products such as heartworm meds, de-worming products, vaccines, or flea and tick preparations.

Compounding Prescriptions for Veterinary Use The pharmacist and technicians must become familiar with the common terms and abbreviations associated with veterinary medicine and not used in human medicine. Example: s.i.d is used in veterinary medicine for once a day. Commercially available medications used in the treatment of animals often have names similar to those used for human use. Example: Anapryl is an anti-psychotic agent used to treat dementia in canines. Although the spelling is different, the name sounds similar to enalapril used in humans.

Compounding Prescriptions for Veterinary Use It is not always safe to assume that human FDA approved medications is to be used in an animal to treat the same disease state for which it is intended for humans. Although some medications can be used in both animals and humans, there are major differences in the pharmacokinetics. Proper dosage for each species should be referenced routinely.

Routes of Administration The route of administration will depend on each individual animal. It is imperative that the owner be contacted before deciding which dosage form the medication should be made into. Combining multiple medications that are given on the same dosing schedule into one dosage unit will make administration easier and less stressful. Examples: Dogs usually take traditional oral dosage forms. Cats medication can be compounding into a topical gel that is applied to the hairless areas of the ears. Snakes may require medicating a mouse for feeding time.

Owner Considerations The owner should also be considered in the dosage form choices. Cost sometimes is a major consideration for people. The owner may have a suggestion for ease of administration. The owner should be instructed on safe handling of hazardous drugs.

Medication Flavoring Each animal has preferred taste unique to its species. Birds tend to like sweet, fruity flavors. Dogs and Cats like meat, fish, or poultry. Horses and Cattle prefer sweets and grasses. Ferrets will eat fish, fruits, and sweets. Gerbils and rabbits prefer fruits and vegetables. It is important to communicate with the owner before deciding what form and flavor should be prepared.

Unique Challenges How could you treat an injured bear in the wild that is in need of an antibiotic? How could you treat an aggressive animal, such as a lion or tiger at the local zoo in need of an ophthalmic preparation? What is a way to give seals, dolphins, whales, and such the proper medication? What are ways to give domestic birds medication?