1. Pharmacy and Laboratory Procedures
Objective 3.01: Analyze the legal issues involving drugs in the workplace.
Objective 3.02: Apply knowledge of pharmacy laws to properly fill prescriptions.

2. Types of Medications
Over the counter drugs – can be purchased by anyone at any time
Prescription drugs – can only be ordered by licensed veterinarian

3. Types of Medications Controlled substances
Prescription drugs that have a high abuse potential
Regulated by the DEA
Can only be prescribed by licensed veterinarian
Must be legally stored behind two locks
The outer locked area must be permanently fixed in place
Limited access
Controlled substance log must be kept

4. Types of Medications Vaccinations Given to prevent diseases
Most often given by intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal routes
Frequency of vaccination depends on the specific disease being vaccinated against
Initial vaccines given to young animals must usually be boostered within 3-4 weeks of the very first vaccine

5. Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship
In NC, a veterinarian must have performed an exam on the patient within the past 12 months to legally write a prescription

6. Reading a Prescription
A prescription written by a veterinarian will include the following information:
Medication name
Medication strength
Method of administration
Amount to be administered
Frequency of administration
Length of use
Amount to be dispensed
Special instructions
Number of refills
Veterinarian name and address
Owner’s name and address
Date
Veterinarian’s signature

7. Labeling a Prescription
NC law requires the following information be included on all prescription labels:
Veterinarian facility name, address, phone number
Name of prescribing veterinarian
Client name
Client address, if controlled substance
Patient name or ID number
Medication name, medication strength
Date dispensed
Amount per treatment or use, route of use, frequency of treatments, length or duration of use
Quantity dispensed
Expiration date
Number of refills
Special instructions

8. Medication Storage Oldest dates first Remove outdated items
Store according to storage recommendations on insert
Room temperature or refrigerated
Away from direct sunlight
Dry
Alphabetical order

9. Dispensing Medications
Must be dispensed in childproof container
Client can request a non-child proof container due to physical impairment
Bottles or containers may be colored to reduce light exposure
Triple check all drug names
Verify expiration dates

10. Dispensing Medications
Remember rights of medication administration:
Right patient
Right drug
Right strength
Right quantity
Right frequency

11. Amount to Dispense May need to be calculated
All matches should be double checked
Medications may be counted, using a pill- counting tray

12. Educating Client on Medication Use
Carefully go over instructions to client
Teach how to administer
Explain:
Why medication is being administered
How medication is to be administered
How much is to be administered
When the medication is to be administered

13. Administering Oral Medications
Tablets, capsules, or liquids
Placement at the back of the mouth for swallowing
Pet piller- used to place medications in back of throat
Balling gun- dispensing device used for large animals

14. Administering Aural Medications
Instillation in the ear canal
Used to treat ear infection or mites
Breakdown of wax buildup
Usually liquid

15. Administering Topical Medications
Applied to skin
Antiseptics, flea and tick preventions, and wound treatments

16. Administering Ophthalmic Medications
Applied to the eyes
To treat eye conditions
Used to protect eyes during bathing
Must be kept sterile
Liquid or ointment

17. Administering Injections
Veterinary practice acts in some states may allow the veterinarian assistant to perform the following injections:
Subcutaneous – administered under the skin
Intranasal – administered into the nose
Intramuscular – administered into muscle

18. Administering Injections
Filling a syringe
Things to consider before completing task:
Syringe size
Volume should be slightly larger than required dose
Allow for aspiration (removing air bubbles)
Needle size (gauge)
Determined by patient size, thickness of liquid, and injection rate
The greater the diameter of the needle, the lower the gauge
The thicker the drug, the lower the needle gauge
The more rapid the administration, the lower the needle gauge

19. Administering Injections
Labeling a syringe
Drug or vaccine name/type
Amount or dose prepared
Date
Patient name
Initial of person preparing the syringe

20. Administering Injections
Subcutaneous Injections
Frequently used for vaccines and antibiotics
Administered at base of neck between shoulder blades
Avoid passing needle outside skin

21. Administering Injections
Intramuscular injections
Common injection sites:
Small animals
Quadriceps
Hamstring
Epaxial
Large animals
Brisket/chest
Neck

22. Administering Injections
Intranasal injections
Placing drops of liquid in nasal cavity
Respiratory medications and vaccines may be given this way
Elevate the head and neck so the drops don’t leak back out