​Pet Prescriptions: Tips For Serving Furry Patients

Pharmacists have a new set of patients to serve: furry ones! Ending 2020 with $10.8 billion in sales, up nearly 13% from 2019, veterinary prescriptions are on the rise, and as pharmacists, we need to be prepared to fill them. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for filling pet prescriptions. We'll cover topics such as dosage forms and common medications prescribed to pets. Stay tuned for more information on how to best serve your veterinary patients!

General Tips For Veterinary Prescriptions

When it comes to pet prescriptions, pharmacists need to be aware of a few key things.

1. Always check with the veterinarian to ensure that you are aware of the correct dosage form and strength for the patient. Pets come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to have this information before dispensing any medication.
2. Common medications prescribed to pets include antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be sure to ask the veterinarian about any possible drug interactions before dispensing any medication to a pet.
3. Always use caution when handling and storing pet medications, as some can be toxic if not used properly.

Common Medications For Pets

There are a few common types of medications that are prescribed to pets. These include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Some common antibiotics prescribed to pets include amoxicillin, cephalexin, and Clavamox.
• Pain Medications: Pain medications are used to relieve pain and discomfort. Some common pain medications prescribed to pets include tramadol, gabapentin, and prednisone.
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Some common anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to pets include Rimadyl, Metacam, and Deramaxx.

As you can see, there are a variety of medications that can be prescribed to pets. It's important to always check with the veterinarian before dispensing any medication, as some drugs can interact with each other.

Dosage Forms For Pets

There are a few different dosage forms that are commonly used for pet prescriptions. These include:

• Capsules: Capsules are easy to administer and can be given with or without food.
• Tablets: Tablets can be given with or without food and are usually crushed and mixed with a small amount of water before being administered.
• Liquid: Liquid medications are easy to give and can be measured accurately.
• Injections: Injections are usually given intramuscularly or subcutaneously and require special training to administer.

As always, be sure to check with the veterinarian to see which form is best for the patient.

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Pet prescriptions are on the rise, and as pharmacists, we need to be prepared to fill them. By following these simple tips, we can help make sure that our furry patients receive the best possible care. Need supplies for your pet prescriptions? Check out Total Pharmacy Supply for all your pharmaceutical supply needs.