Fluconazole for Veterinary Use

Benefits and Uses of Cyclosporine

Benefits and Uses of Diazepam

What Is Veterinary Compounding?

The Role of Tramadol in Veterinary Medicine

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Posts Tagged ‘drug compounding’

Fluconazole for Veterinary Use

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Fluconazole is an antifungal antibiotic that veterinarians use to treat several species of animals that might develop ringworm, central nervous system infections and some yeast infections of the skin. Veterinarians often use Fluconazole to treat dogs with Valley Fever, which can cause rashes and flu-like symptoms. It is also sold under the trademarked names Diflucan and Trican.

Fluconazole in Veterinary Medicine

Although Fluconazole is also used to treat humans, it is a popular veterinary drug. Your veterinarian will decide which dosage will help your pet most. Taking large dosages of veterinary drugs can cause problems in animals just as in humans, so be sure to follow your vet’s directions carefully.

Methods of Ingesting Fluconazole

Fluconazole prescribed to animals is most commonly distributed in pill form, which can be obtained through a veterinary pharmacy. A powder version of the drug is also available but is not as commonly sold for veterinary uses. Pet owners who have difficulty getting their dogs, cats or other animals to take the pill form of Fluconazole should contact their veterinarian or veterinary pharmacy for more information.

Possible Side Effects of Fluconazole

As with all medications, animals being treated with Fluconazole can develop side effects of various severities. Pet owners giving their animals Fluconazole or any other veterinary drugs should pay close attention to signs of worsening skin rashes; anemia, which is evidenced by pale mucus membranes and gums; digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite; jaundice, which is evidenced by yellow skin, gums or whites of the eyes; lethargy and depression.

Some animals are more susceptible to these side effects than others. Some might also experience allergic reactions to this and similar veterinary drugs. Owners should therefore keep a close eye on their pets and contact their veterinarians immediately if their animals display any of these symptoms.

Obtaining Fluconazole for Your Pets

Pet owners can easily purchase Fluconazole by prescription from any veterinary pharmacy that carries a wide range of veterinary drugs.

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Benefits and Uses of Cyclosporine

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Cyclosporine is a unique immunosuppressive drug that interferes with T helper cell activity. The initial use was for preventing organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Medicine

Cyclosporine has a number of uses in veterinary medicine. The drug is commonly prescribed for dogs as an effective therapy for dry eye, or KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Additionally, Cyclosporine treats Atopic Dermatitis in dogs, an allergy condition in which the trigger is unknown.

Other conditions in which Cyclosporine is prescribed for use in veterinary medicine include feline asthma, colitis, perineal fistulas, hemolytic anemia and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a disease in which the red blood cells are under attack in the immune system. In some cases, cats

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Compounding

Due to its widespread use in animal health care, Cyclosporine is often altered through veterinary compounding to satisfy the treatment recommendations of the condition and the individual needs of each patient. For example, in the treatment of KCS, veterinary compounding pharmacies usually develop eye-drops to stop the breakdown of tear gland tissue. Cyclosporine can also be compounded orally to treat conditions such as hemolytic anemia and feline asthma.

Cyclosporine — Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

As with all medications, Cyclosporine may cause side effects for some patients of veterinary medicine. Common side effects usually subside after one week of treatment and include digestive issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. A number of patients may experience a loss of appetite.

Cyclosporine Precautions and Indications

Patients with compromised kidney function, liver disease, blood conditions and gastrointestinal ulcers should not be given Cyclosporine. The drug should also not be administered to pregnant or lactating patients.

In general, the designated veterinary medicine professional will recommend that Cyclosporine be administered to patients on an empty stomach. Treatment should be completed as directed by the animal health care specialist in order to successfully treat the condition at hand.

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Benefits and Uses of Diazepam

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

A benzodiazepine tranquilizer, diazepam is used in veterinary medicine to sedate, reduce anxiety, promote behavioral changes or induce muscle relaxation. Diazepam is also an anticonvulsant and can be administered to some species to stimulate appetite.

Diazepam and Veterinary Compounding

In veterinary medicine, diazepam is commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, reptiles, sheep, cattle, horses, goats and swine. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, veterinary compounding can alter the form of the drug for oral, intravenous, rectal or intramuscular administration.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam Uses for Dogs and Cats

Diazepam is commonly administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. It may be given alone or combined in veterinary compounding in order to pointedly address individual dosage needs.

Diazepam is also used in the treatment of behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying and terror caused by loud noises. When treating dogs for aggression, it is possible that diazepam can produce a reverse outcome, causing amplification rather than suppression of aggressive behaviors.

As an anticonvulsant, diazepam may be used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of seizures, whether due to toxic shock or status epilepticus. However, since dogs develop a tolerance rather quickly, diazepam is not typically selected for the continued management of seizures.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam and Horses

While not an analgesic, diazepam is commonly administered to sedate horses prior to surgical procedures. In adult horses, diazepam is often paired with another medication in to produce the necessary level of sedation.

Diazepam can also be administered to horses as an anticonvulsant, whether alone or as part of an amalgamation of other medications. It can also assist with breeding behaviors, particularly for withdrawn stallions.

Diazepam and Potential Side Effects

Common side effects may include impaired coordination and lethargy. Aggression, excitement or marked behavioral changes are unusual side effects. In addition, while a rarity, hepatic toxicity has also been reported in some cats.

Be sure to thoroughly discuss drug interactions and additional precautions with a specialist in veterinary medicine before using diazepam for treatment.

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What Is Veterinary Compounding?

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Veterinary compounding refers to the modification of a drug in order to address the unique needs of a patient. For example, a pet pharmacist or veterinarian may take steps to improve the flavor of a medication, combine medications to achieve the best possible dosage or alter the form of a drug to be more easily administered.

Benefits of Veterinary Compounding

Drug compounding is especially useful in veterinary medicine, as numerous medications are no longer offered directly through the manufacturer or are otherwise unavailable in the required drug mixture or dosage. With veterinary compounding, the specific medication requirements of each patient can be met accurately and successfully.

Formulating the proper strength or combination of a drug is only half of the battle. In veterinary medicine, patients often balk at distasteful medications, proving wholly uncooperative when the time comes to administer treatment. Veterinary compounding eases the treatment process by modifying the pharmaceutical potency or combination and improving the palatability of the medication in question.

Regulations for Veterinary Compounding

Drug compounding is an integral part of veterinary medicine and must comply with federal and state regulations. Among other mandates, veterinary compounding must be carried out by a certified veterinarian or licensed pet pharmacist under the order of a qualified practitioner of veterinary medicine. Additionally, the compounded medication must be a safe and appropriate course of treatment. The dosage must also correspond with the specific needs of the patient.

Diamondback Drugs offers a variety of treatment solutions and carries a widespread selection of medications, along with a comprehensive range of bases and flavors. Our expert staff of pharmacists and technicians has successfully completed extensive training in veterinary compounding and are fully equipped to fulfill the varying needs of prescribers and patients.

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The Role of Tramadol in Veterinary Medicine

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Under the brand name Ultram, Tramadol is an analgesic that can help control moderate to severe pain. While Tramadol binds to opiod receptors, it is not considered an opiate. As a result, Tramadol does not produce the sedative or addictive properties frequently associated with opiates.

Tramadol may be administered in veterinary medicine to provide pain relief for animals suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer or arthritis. It can also be used for pain management following injury or surgery.

Veterinary Medicine — Tramadol and Canine Arthritis

In veterinary medicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used for pain management associated with canine arthritis. NSAIDs inhibit the production of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation. However, as cyclo-oxygenase also helps produce essential biochemicals, suppression of this enzyme can prove problematic in some patients.

Tramadol can provide the requisite pain relief for dogs suffering from chronic arthritis without the risk of developing kidney or liver problems associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. In veterinary medicine, Tramadol may be used exclusively or in tandem with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Veterinary Medicine — Tramadol and Felines

Since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are dangerous for the feline species, Tramadol may provide a safer alternative and can be administered to cats in the treatment of pain.

Tramadol — Side Effects and Drug Interactions

In veterinary medicine, Tramadol is compatible with all cyclo-oxygenase interfering NSAIDs, as well as MSM, glucosamine and some other joint pain nutriceuticals. However, Tramadol should not be administered to animals taking L-Deprenyl, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Common side effects of Tramadol may include upset stomach, constipation, pupil constriction, decreased heart rate and coughing. Seizures, notable mental changes and pinpoint pupils may indicate overdose. In addition, since Tramadol is processed through the liver and kidneys, an adjustment of the dosage may be necessary for patients with associated problems.

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